Accommodation and housing inspection
Welcoming or supporting individuals from another country is a significant responsibility. Take a moment to consider whether your property can provide:
- enough space to live comfortably
- easy access to affordable public transport
- shops and restaurants nearby
- employment opportunities in the area
- schools and education facilities nearby
- opportunities to socialise in the area
What to expect from a housing inspection
A case officer will visit your home to check:
- the information you provided is accurate
- the property meets housing standards and is free from hazards
- fire safety measures are in place
Your accommodation must be:
- clean and in a reasonable condition
- free from serious health and safety hazards
- suitable for the number of people staying
Accommodation must also:
- have adequate kitchen and bathroom space
- have access to drinking water
- have working smoke detectors on each floor
- have a carbon monoxide detector in rooms with solid fuel appliances (for example a coal fire, wood burning stove)
- have heating to keep the home at a comfortable temperature
- have safe gas appliances and a recent Gas Safety check
- have safe electrics (get help from a qualified electrician if unsure)
- be mostly free from damp or mould
- have secure doors and windows at entry level
- be easy and safe to move around in
Two people can share a room only if they are:
- adult cohabiting partners
- a parent and child
- two siblings of the same gender aged 10 and over
- two siblings of any gender aged 10 and under
People who don’t know each other should not share a room.