Immigration inspection

Advice on accommodation standards and inspections for people coming to Westmorland and Furness from outside the European Union.

People moving to live in Westmorland and Furness from a country outside the European Union must confirm that:

  • they are moving into accommodation of suitable standard
  • the accommodation will not become overcrowded by their arrival

If a person is coming from abroad to live in the area they will have a named sponsor. The Immigration Authority will ask the sponsor for proof that the property is suitable.

To prove this, you will need to have the property inspected. A qualified and experienced competent person carries out the inspection.

The survey ensures that the accommodation:

  • meets the minimum housing standard under the Housing Act 2004
  • is free from Category 1 Hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
  • is in a reasonable state of repair
  • has enough space to be suitable for existing occupiers and any more people who propose to live there

Our Housing Standards Officers can carry out these inspections.

Paperwork we need for the inspection

When we carry out an inspection, we will ask to see:

  • documentation from the Immigration Authorities to show that an application is being processed - a letter or form from the relevant High Commission showing the applicants name
  • If you own the property:
    • the title deeds
    • mortgage statement, or another letter from your mortgage provider
  • if you rent the property:
    • a current tenancy agreement
    • a signed Landlord's Consent to Proposed Occupation (included in the application form below)
    • a utility bill in your name at the address
    • if there is a gas supply then a copy of an up to date Gas Safe Certificate

To arrange an immigration inspection, complete and return an application to the team in your area:

Application for an immigration accommodation certificate form (PDF , 260KB)

Contact us

General Customer Service for all areas

Telephone: 0300 373 3300

Barrow area:

Email: privatehousing@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Address:  
Housing Standards Team 
Town Hall 
Cornwallis Street 
Barrow-in-Furness Cumbria 
LA14 2LD

Eden area:

Email: housing.services@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Address:  
Housing Standards Team 
Voreda House 
Portland Place 
Penrith 
Cumbria
CA11 7BF

South Lakes area:

Email: housingstandards@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

Address:  
Housing Standards Team 
South Lakeland House
Lowther Street 
Kendal 
Cumbria 
LA9 4DQ