How to make a housing defect complaint
You can contact us as follows.
Regeneration and Housing Standards Team
Strategic Housing Unit, Textile Hall, Manchester Road, Bury, BL9 0DG
Phone: 0161 253 5353
Fax: 0161 253 5391
E-mail: customercontactteam@bury.gov.uk
On-line: Report a problem
Please note: You must report any defects to your landlord and allow sufficient time for the repair/s to be carried out before making a housing defect complaint.
Housing standards
All residential premises should provide a safe and healthy environment for any potential occupants and visitors.
Housing Health & Safety Rating System
The Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a method for assessing health and safety risks within residential dwellings and it replaces the fitness standard that was used under the Housing Act 1985.
How is a property assessed under HHSRS?
Any residential premises, including its structure, access areas, yard, gardens and outbuildings can be assessed for its safety to any potential occupier or visitor.
When a property is inspected, the inspector will be identifying hazards within the property that are likely to lead to harm whilst the property is in use.
What hazards do you consider?
We will consider the following hazards under The Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Damp and mould growth
- Excess cold and heat
- Asbestos (and man-made fibres)
- Biocides
- Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
- Lead, radiation, uncombusted fuel gasses or volatile organic compounds
- Crowding and space
- Entry by intruders
- Lighting
- Noise
- Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
- Food safety
- Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
- Water supply
- Falling on level surfaces; on stairs; between levels; or in and out of baths
- Electrical hazards
- Fire, flames or hot surfaces
- Collision and entrapment
- Explosions
- Position and operability of amenities
- Structural collapse and falling parts of the property
Once we have identified any hazards, we will assess the seriousness of harm that the hazard may cause and decide what type of action may be taken.
What action can be taken?
We may:
- serve an improvement notice requiring essential repairs or improvements to reduce or remove the hazard;
- make a prohibition order, closing all or part of a building or restricting the number of occupiers to reduce or remove a hazard;
- take emergency action to deal with any imminent risk to the occupiers from a severe hazard; or
- serve a Hazard Awareness Notice that informs that a hazard is present.
Notices or orders can be appealed at the Residential Property Tribunal.
More information
The Residential Property Tribunal Service
The Residential Property Tribunal Service is the public body that can decide many rent and leasehold disputes. Go to the Residential Property Tribunal Service website
Housing health and safety
Go to the Communities and Local Government website for advice on housing health and safety
The Housing Act 2004
Go to the Office of Public Sector information's website to view a copy of The Housing Act 2004
The Housing Health and Safety (England) Regulations 2005
Go to the Office of Public Section Information's website to view a copy of The Housing Health and Safety (England) Regulations 2005
Frequently asked questions
I rent my house from a private landlord and it needs repairs carrying out. What should I do?
You should notify your landlord, in writing, of the repairs needed and allow a reasonable period for your landlord to carry out the repairs. You should also try to speak to your landlord in order to explain the problem and reach an agreement about the repairs.
If your landlord fails to carry out the repairs, call us and we will visit your home to assess what repairs are needed, if necessary we will then contact the landlord on your behalf.
How long will it take for my landlord to get necessary repairs done?
This depends on the repairs needed and the response from your landlord. If the condition of the house is dangerous we may be able to get the repairs completed in a couple of days. However, it can take up to 6 months or longer to complete the repairs that are not as necessary.
Can I withhold my rent if the landlord fails to carry out the repairs?
If you do you may be evicted for not paying your rent. However, you can take action through the County Court. We advise you to get legal advice from either a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
What safety checks does the landlord have to carry out?
All gas appliances must be inspected every 12 months by a qualified CORGI registered contractor and the landlord should obtain a Landlords Gas Safety Certificate. You should be supplied with a copy of this certificate.
I rent my home from a Housing Association and have problems getting repairs done. Can you help me resolve the problem?
Yes. The same laws apply to Housing Associations and private landlords.
I rent my home from Six Town Housing. Can you help me get my repairs done?
No. We cannot enforce any laws against ourselves. We can however offer advice, but you should only contact us as a last resort.
What is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)?
A house in multiple occupation is basically a house (or flat), which contains more than one household. For information on HMO’s go to the Multiple Occupancy Homes page
