Housing Operations

We provide a range of services to improve housing standards, maintain independence and resolve customers housing problems.  We offer home visits to the elderly and housebound.

Housing Options Team

The Housing Options Team is at the front end of the Council’s approach to tackling homelessness. It includes the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme to assist people at risk of becoming homeless to find housing in the private rented sector. This service runs in parallel with assessing applications as homeless. We also provide a Housing Advice Service to tenants and landlords that includes ensuring quiet enjoyment, security of tenure and illegal eviction. We provide a Safety First scheme that provides additional security measures for victims of domestic violence, race crime, homophobic crime and for some vulnerable groups that have been victims of repeat burglary. The team also arrange emergency accommodation and temporary accommodation where required.

Our opening hours: For visits by appointment or to see the duty officer: Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, except Wednesday 1pm - 4pm. Otherwise Monday to Thursday 9am-5.15pm except Wednesday 1pm to 5.15pm Friday 9am-5pm.

Telephone: 020 8891 7409
Fax: 020 8891 7403
Email: housingadvice@richmond.gov.uk

Housing Provision

Housing Provision manages the Richmond Housing Register and nominates households to fill vacancies in Housing Association properties; operates overcrowding and under-occupation initiatives and provides advice on low-cost homeownership. In order to ensure that there is provision for applicants with supported housing requirements, sub-registers have been established. This means Panel Meetings will be held to consider these applicants for accommodation where support is provided.

Our opening hours: For visits Monday to Friday 10am -4pm, except Wednesday 1pm-4pm Otherwise Monday to Thursday 9am-5.15pm Friday 9am-5pm.

Telephone: 020 8487 5454
Fax: 020 8891 7403
Email: housingallocations@richmond.gov.uk

Home Improvement Agency

The Home Improvement Agency (HIA) HIA receives referrals direct from Richmond Adult Services- Occupational Therapy Department for local residents who require adaptations to their property due to a disability. Most are funded through a mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant following a Means Test. Other Grants administered by the HIA include Home Repairs Assistance and energy efficiency grants known as Coldbusters. The Agency offers a service to non eligible applicants on a fee paying basis and assists owner occupiers to obtain funds through equity release schemes under the Houseproud scheme.

Telephone: 0208 891 7436
Email: hia@richmond.gov.uk
Fax: 0208 891 6404

Residential Team

The team deals with poor housing conditions in tenanted properties, responding to complaints from private tenants about conditions in houses, flats and bedsits and licensing of certain Houses in Multiple Occupation We also deal with complaints from neighbours about domestic noise and other nuisance and take action to bring empty properties back into use. The team offers a free pest control service for domestic rat and mouse infestations and offers advice about insects, other pests and urban wildlife. We also have a responsibility for collecting stray dogs on a 24 hour basis.

Telephone: 020 8487 5123
Email: residentialeh@richmond.gov.uk
Fax: 020 8831 6404

Resettlement Service

The Resettlement Team offers a service to vulnerable people who are moving to permanent or temporary accommodation in the Borough, who need help in accessing essential items and services. The team aims to give customers the tools they need to make their tenancies last and thereby prevent the ‘revolving door’ of homelessness. The work typically involves assistance in applying for appropriate benefits, making grant applications, making arrangements for services to the property, accessing essential furniture and white goods as well as setting up payment methods. We also support customers emotionally, and work with them for a period of time after the move, to enable them to gain independent skills to live in the community and make a success of their tenancies.

Telephone: 020 8487 5064
Fax: 020 8831 6014
Email: resettlement@richmond.gov.uk

Temporary Accommodation

The Temporary Accommodation Team is responsible for procuring and maintaining properties leased from Housing Associations or the private sector for use as temporary accommodation for homeless households thereby minimizing the use of unsuitable and costly bed and breakfast accommodation. The team is responsible for ensuring that properties are maintained to a good standard and a rent is agreed with the owner. The team arranges for minor day to day repairs and the property officers visit the property at least every three months to ensure that the home meets all health and safety requirements. The team also manages two hostels used for providing emergency and short-term accommodation.

Telephone: 020 8891 7545
Fax: 020 8831 6404
Email: temporaryaccommodation@richmond.gov.uk

Repairs

If you live in accommodation provided by the Temporary Accommodation Team and wish to report a repair contact the Temporary Accommodation Team opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am -5.15pm Friday 9am-5pm

Out of Hours Emergencies

Our opening hours: 6pm to 8am on weekdays, 9am to 8am at weekends and on public holidays.

Telephone: 020 8744 2442