We strongly recommend that the Government immediately make it clear to local councils that they have a duty to inspect all unsafe homes, irrespective of who owns it, including, if necessary, by producing new enforcement guidance. This must include setting out that there is nothing preventing a council’s environmental health team from inspecting properties owned by that council and issuing it with a non-legal warning. (Paragraph 138) The Regulator of Social Housing

We strongly recommend that the Government immediately make it clear to local councils that they have a duty to inspect all unsafe homes, irrespective of who owns it, including, if necessary, by producing new enforcement guidance. This must include setting out that there is nothing preventing a council’s environmental health team from inspecting properties owned by that council and issuing it with a non-legal warning. (Paragraph 138) The Regulator of Social Housing Type: conclusion | Number: 38 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The Government recognises the importance of all homes being safe and secure. Local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to take enforcement action where hazards are identified in residential premises, and we expect them to use these powers to ensure landlords address hazards brought to