Housing Act 1996
The Housing Act 1996 is a UK Act of Parliament which was introduced to make provisions about the social rented sector, houses in multiple occupation, landlord and tenant matters, the administration of housing benefit, the conduct of tenants, the allocation of housing accommodation by local housing authorities and homelessness; and for connected purposes.
The Act also introduced duties for local authorities concerning homeless people and the circumstances in which such duties arise. Interim accommodation must be made available for those applicants who have a ‘priority need’. This is defined in Section 189 as:
'…a person who is vulnerable as a result of old age, mental illness or handicap or physical disability or other special reason, or with whom such a person resides or might reasonably be expected to reside.'
Section 184 applies where local authorities have reason to believe that an applicant may be homeless or may be threatened with homelessness and can make enquiries with another local housing authority to ascertain whether they have a local connection. For more information, see Section 184.
The Act also stipulated that in the event of ‘housing-related anti-social conduct’, landlords can apply for an injunction against a tenant. It set out ‘anti-social conduct’ as being behaviour which could, or does, cause annoyance to other tenants, employees of the landlord, or people lawfully in the vicinity.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.