It is our objective to help improve housing and general living conditions throughout the council area.
Our officers deal with complaints and enquiries about a range of housing issues including:
providing advice about rent books, tenancy deposits and tenancy statements
inspecting properties to make sure they are suitable to live in and issuing certificates of fitness (where applicable)
investigating complaints such as smell, littering and general nuisances
Providing advice on carbon minoxide, damp/condensation
Dealing with complaints regarding harassment and unlawful eviction
Providing advice on the Landlord Registration Scheme
We can also take legal action against landlords if the condition of their property creates an unhealthy environment for tenants. This covers privately-rented properties and those owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or other housing associations.
A nuisance is in general terms, a disturbance which substantially interferes with a person’s use or enjoyment of, property. However, only certain matters may constitute a statutory nuisance and these are set out in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Officers from the Environmental Health Department can offer advice on whether any specific issue may constitute a nuisance.
The High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 requires local authorities to adjudicate on complaints about high hedges that are alleged to be blocking light to a neighbour’s property. If the hedge(s) is found to be higher than what the legislation and guidance deem acceptable, the hedge owner may be asked to cut it down to a reasonable height. If you would like some advice or would like to make a complaint, please contact us.
The council do not have a pest control service however information leaflets on common pests are available. We can also provide additional advice on eradicating problem rodent and insect infestations, please contact Environmental Health on 0300 0300 900 or email for further details.
The Council Home Safety Scheme provides free home safety checks to those considered a higher risk of having a home accident; people aged 65 and over; families with children under the age of 5; vulnerable adults and children; those with mobility issues, a disability or other special needs.
On request by an individual or referral by an agency, a Home Safety Officer will contact you by phone, to carry out a home safety assessment. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic the service is carried out over the telephone at present, unless there are extenuating circumstances. Information and advice is offered on how to avoid accidents and identify potential hazards in the home which are likely to cause accidents. In certain circumstances, free safety equipment may be provided.
With your consent, other agencies can be contacted on your behalf, such as NI Fire & Rescue Service, NI Housing Executive, Southern Health and Social Care Trust Occupational Therapy Dept, Council Community Safety and the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
If you feel you are eligible for a Phone, Home Safety Assessment, contact us on 0300 0300 900, and ask for the Environmental Health Department in your area.
Safety information.
There is an extensive range of information relating to Safety in and around the Home, specifically for Older Persons and Under 5s. For information and advice on topics listed below, view the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s Accident Prevention Page
Baby and Child Safety around Dogs & Responsible Dog Ownership
Blind cord safety. Leaflets in a range of Languages. Video titled ‘Blind Truth’
Button Battery Dangers – Keep out of Sight and Reach From Children • Carbon Monoxide
Childhood Poisoning – Liquitabs and other Dangers in the Home
E-Cigarettes – The Safety Risks
Electrical Safety in Your Home
Farm Safety – Owners, Workers, Children
Gas Safety
Hair Straighteners – Dangers to Babies and Young Children
Nappy Sack Safety and Risk of Suffocation
Parent Home Safety Information Leaflet
Reducing Fire Risk
TV and Furniture Tip-Over Accidents
Water Safety – Swimming Pools, Water Safety at Home
To view the Southern Trust’s link to Falls Prevention Clinics and Falls Prevention Directory click here
The Falls Directory is helpful if you want to know more about falls. It contains information to help you understand why falls occur, the health conditions that are linked to falls, reducing your risk of falling and what to do if you experience a fall.
The Affordable Warmth Scheme operated by Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with Newry Mourne and Down District Council and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) will cease on 31 August 2023. No new referrals are being accepted.
Queries relating to the Scheme can be directed to NI Energy Advice Service on freephone 0800 111 4455 or on the online form by clicking here.
Keep Cosy is a scheme designed to help householders who use central heating oil to budget and save to buy oil. Home heating oil is cheaper when bought in larger quantities. So saving over time is better than ordering small amounts on a regular basis.
The scheme is open to all householders in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area. Retail outlets selling oil stamps as part of this scheme are located throughout the borough.
Further information including a list of participating outlets can be found in the following leaflets:
A private tenant can only be forced to leave their home if a court of law has issued a court order.
Our public health and housing team can:
provide advice to landlords and tenants
investigate complaints of harassment and unlawful eviction
prosecute landlords who have harassed or illegally evicted their tenants.
Harassment
Harassment covers any action taken by a landlord, or someone acting on their behalf, to make a tenant leave their home.
Examples include:
interfering with gas, water and electricity supplies
making threats and instructing a tenant to leave
entering the property without consent
refusing to carry out repairs
making frequent unannounced visits, especially late at night.
Tenants should record the details of any harassment including the date, time and a short description of the incident.
Unlawful eviction
This occurs when a landlord, or any person acting for them, forces or attempts to force a tenant from their home without following the proper legal procedures.
Examples include:
changing the locks to a property when a tenant is not at home
physically throwing a tenant out
stopping a tenant from getting into part or all of their home.
If a landlord wants a tenant to leave, they must provide a ‘notice to quit’, even if there is no tenancy agreement.
If you believe you are being subjected to harassment or illegal eviction please contact an Environmental Health Officer by telephone 0300 0300 900 to discuss or email . We may refer you to Housing Rights and / or the PSNI depending upon the circumstances.
For further information, speak with an Environmental Health Officer by telephone 0300 0300 900 or email
Private landlords requiring advice on ending a tenancy can also speak with an Environmental Health Officer or alternatively can call Housing Rights Landlord Advice on 028 9024 5640 and choosing option 5. Lines open Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 2.30pm. You can find more information at
If you’re homeless and have nowhere to stay, you should contact the Housing Executive Homeless Support Unit on 03448 920 900.
You can also call the Simon Community 24 hours a day on 0800 171 2222 – they may be able to find you accommodation.
Try to avoid having to spend a night on the streets. A friend or family member may be able to help you out for a night or two until you’ve found somewhere to stay.
Remember, you don’t have to be living on the streets to be homeless. You are homeless if the Housing Executive believes it’s not reasonable for you to continue living in your current home. That could be because you’ve been asked to leave, because you can’t afford it anymore or because living there is damaging your health.
Help and advice
Get advice and find out what your rights are by speaking to the Housing Rights Service on 028 9024 5640 or visit their website.
You can also get help with homelessness and housing problems at your local Citizens Advice Bureau or independent advice agency.
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