Housing Condition Survey

A survey company called Opinion Research Services (ORS) has been commissioned to carry out a survey into the condition of housing in Hastings. Propeties have been selected at random and letters have been sent to invite the residents to take part. Here are some FAQs about the survey.

Why is the council carrying out this study?

We have a duty under the Housing Act to review local housing periodically and this study will allow us to get a wider snapshot of our borough's housing. This study will assess the condition of the houses that local people live in to help us understand local housing and local housing needs. At meetings in the community there are often questions about what we are doing about housing conditions and complaints that we could do more. This survey is one way of doing this and shows our commitment to taking action.

Why am I being asked to take part?

By surveying a sample of housing in the borough the results can be used to understand all housing conditions. The more people that take part the more accurate the data will be.

My house is in good condition, why should I take part?

The survey needs to include information about all properties, not just housing in poor condition. It is important that the survey covers private tenants and homeowners living in all types of properties to make sure that the results are representative of the area.

What will the surveyor do and what information will they want?

The interviewer will first check if the property is rented or owned and then ask a few simple questions. This will include the age, gender, number of people in the household, and some basic questions about the property.

The survey is a simple visual inspection, which normally take less than 30 minutes. The surveyor will need to enter the property. They will want to know about any concerns you have about the property such as damp, poor heating, energy efficiency and kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Do I have to take part?

No - taking part is optional. You can phone ORS on 0800 107 7890 or email them at surveys@ors.org.uk and let them know you do not wish to take part. Or you can tell the interviewer when they call. We hope you will take part as the more people who can the better informed we will be.

What will happen to the information I give?

The information provided will be analysed by ORS to help understand work that might need to be done in your property. It will only be shared with Hastings Borough Council. It will be used to provide us with accurate, up-to-date information about local housing. ORS is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and all data will be handled in accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) legislation, the privacy policy can be found at www.ors.org.uk/privacy. Hastings Borough Council's privacy policy can be viewed at www.hastings.gov.uk/privacy/ and is also available to view at council offices.

How do I know that the interviewer / surveyor is genuine?

All ORS staff have a photo identification card and a letter from Hastings Borough Council, which they will show when they arrive. They will also know the unique code that is printed on the other side of this letter. If you have any queries or concerns about the surveyor, you can phone ORS on 0800 107 7890 or email surveys@ors.org.uk .

How do I know that ORS is a genuine research company?

Hastings Borough Council has used a formal process to commission this work and have checked ORS's credentials. If you would like to confirm that ORS is a genuine research practice, you can contact the Market Research Society on Freephone 0500 396 999.

How do I know that this is a really being done by the council?

If you want to check you can phone our switchboard on 01424 451066 between 8.30am to 4.45pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 10am to 4.45pm Wednesday and 8.30am to 4.15pm on Friday or email us at housingadmin@hastings.gov.uk .

Why are you doing this survey through an external company when you have a housing team?

ORS are experts in the research field and will be able to dedicate the time needed to provide accurate, up-to-date information about local housing. The information gathered from the survey is important as it will help with housing resources in the future. While this survey is taking place the council's housing team will continue to dedicate their time to carrying out inspections across the borough and ensuring residents and landlords are fully supported.

Why is this survey not looking at affordable rent?

This survey has specifically been designed to assist the team who work to ensure housing is free from serious hazards.