Our private housing team respond to requests not just from homeoweners and landlords, but also parents of students in rented homes and other interested third parties. These requests are prioritised according to their seriousness. You can read our policy statement in the documents below together with our published performance standards.
Deposit protection for landlords
From April 2007 landlords who take deposits from their tenants have to safeguard the money in an authorised scheme known as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
Enforcement policies
Our 'Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy' details how we regulate standards in private housing in Southampton. It also provides a background to the legislation and guidance on which it is based. We can also charge for enforcing the regulations.
Homeseekers letting service
Primarily designed for landlords who need assistance in finding tenants for their properties. It is also a useful resource for private tenants looking for a home.
Houses of multiple occupation (HMOs)
Essential landlord information on changes to the law, licensing fees, mandatory licensing, safety standards and student accreditation scheme.
Energy efficiency for homeowners
Hints and tips on efficiency savings, energy certificate obligations for landlords, and opportunities for grants for loft insulation for your private tenants.
Empty homes
There are approximately 1,000 homes in Southampton that are privately owned and are unoccupied. We have a designated Empty Homes Officer who is able to advise and assist owners to bring empty priovately owned homes back into use.
Home improvement loans
The loan is available for properties which fail the government's Health and Safety Hazard System. This could include roof repairs, dealing with rising damp and replacing danderous electrics and heating or insulation.
Home survey to help with sponsoring immigrants
If you live in Southampton and want to sponsor somone applying for a visa for entry into the UK and they plan to live in Southampton, we can help.
Private tenants
Information on protecting your deposits, maintenance and repairs, CO2 hazards and a very useful documents on many aspects of your tenancy called 'Helping you find a home'. See also, grants for loft insulation.
Southampton City Council
