-Accommodation certificates - fitness for human habitation

Accommodation certificates are sought by individuals requiring a visa application to enter the UK. One of the requirements for a successful visa application is:

  • 'there will be adequate accommodation for the parties and any dependants without recourse to public funds in accommodation which they own or occupy exclusively'


What is 'adequate accommodation'?

This is private accommodation that meets the minimum standards as required by the Housing Act 1985(as amended)

Hambleton District Council can provide assistance to individuals applying for a visa by inspecting a property to ensure that it meets the required standards for overcrowding and fitness for habitation. If the property meets the required standard an accommodation certificate will be provided. The certificate meets the needs of the Home Office and can therefore be used as part of a visa application.

Poor Living Conditions

Any dwelling house is deemed fit for human habitation unless it fails to meet one or other of several requirements and by reason of that failure is not reasonably suitable for occupation.

The requirements used to determine fitness for habitation are:

  • it is structurally stable
  • it is free from serious disrepair
  • it is free from dampness prejudicial to the health of the occupants (if any)
  • it has adequate provision for lighting, heating and ventilation
  • it has an adequate piped supply of wholesome water; there are satisfactory facilities in the dwelling for the preparation and cooking of food, including a sink with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water
  • it has a suitably located water closet for the exclusive use of the occupants (if any)
  • it has, for the exclusive use of the occupants (if any), a suitably located fixed bath or shower with hot and cold water
  • it has an effective system for the drainage of foul water and surface water


If the council identifies a property which fails to meet one or more of the above requirements, it is deemed to be unfit for human habitation. In these circumstances the council must determine the most satisfactory course of action to be taken with that property.

There are several options available to the council:

  • a repair notice
  • a closing order
  • a demolition order
  • include the property in a clearance area


There is a set procedure to be followed by the council in deciding the most satisfactory course of action.

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