Luton Borough Council
Operational policies
You can view our operational policies below.
- Rent arrears policy:This policy outlines our housing services approach for preventing and managing rent arrears.
- Housing allocations policy:This policy sets out how the council will assess an applicants’ eligibility for housing, their housing need and the types of property applicants can apply for.
- Asbestos policy and management plan Issue-7:
- Private sector housing enforcement policy:This policy covers all properties owned by Luton Council Housing Department for which it holds a maintenance responsibility. It sets out how the council address hazards in private homes and ensures fair enforcement of its duties.
- Private sector housing assistance policy:This policy sets out what assistance the council is able to offer to improve the health and wellbeing and quality of life of residents.
- Appendices to housing assistance policy:
- Civil penalties and rent repayment orders policy:This policy will be used as an alternative to prosecution and rent repayment orders for certain offences relating to Housing Act 2004 and the Housing and Planning Act 2016.
- Choice based lettings allocations policy:This policy aims to simplify existing allocations procedures and provide an open and transparent service to applicants, as well as provide applicants with as much choice as possible where they live.
- Shared ownership policy:This policy will outline the council’s approach to the development, sales and management of shared-ownership homes and offering existing tenants the opportunity to buy their home on a shared-ownership basis.
- Housing compensation policy:This policy is to ensure that we have a fair and consistent approach to offering redress and awarding compensation where we fall beneath these standards.
- Discretionary housing payments policy: This policy ensures that DHPs contribute to the Council's aims and objectives and to promote social and financial inclusion for its residents while not subsidising poor or inappropriate accommodation.
- Smoke alarm testing procedure: This ensures that we provide our customers with the highest levels of assurance and safety regarding the maintenance of hard wired smoke alarms.
- Fire safety handbook: This will tell you what to do if a fire happens in another part of the block or in your home.
- Housing domestic abuse policy:This policy aims to provide an appropriate and effective response to domestic abuse.
- Building insurance policy 2024-2025:This is a summary of the significant features, benefits and limitations of the cover provided to “Right to Buy” leaseholders by Zurich Municipal’s Select Property Module.
- Luton Council tenants handbook:This policy outlines tenats rights and responsibilites, including rent, repairs and dealing with antisocial behaviour.
- Adaptations to council properties:This policy outlines the commitments and expectations related to the adaption process for council properties.
- General explanation of service charges:This policy explains service charges for leasholders, detailing wihat these charges cover, how its calculated and the responsibilities of both the council and leasholders.
- Temporary accommodation allocations process:This documents sets out Luton Council’s process for the placement of households in temporary accommodation both in and out of the borough.
- HMO-Standards:This document sets out the legal framework and gives guidance for living space, amenities, fire safety and good management, adopted in this local authority area.
- Statement of intent v1:This document sets out Luton Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 to March 2026.
- Statement of intent v2:This statement sets out Luton Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme from April 2022 to March 2026.
- Statement of intent v3:This statement sets out Luton Council’s flexible eligibility criteria for the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and Great British Insulation schemes which run until March 2026.
- Licensing fees for self contained flats selective licensing:This document outlines the specific fees associated with the selective licensing of self-contained flats within designated areas of Luton.
- Designation of an area for selective licensing-2023:
- Luton & Central Bedfordshire strategic housing market assessment 2015-ORS: This policy provides a detailed guidance on the implementation of affordable housing policies within the planning framework.
- Gypsy and traveller and travelling showman accommodation needs assessment – Addendum to 2015 Final Report – January 2016 - ORS:
- Housing Market Areas in Bedfordshire and surrounding areas:
- Luton Council Housing net zero sustainability guidance:This document outlines the council's approach to achieving net- zero carbon emissions in housing developments.
- Policy for the Enforcement of the Domestic Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency: This policy outlines the council's approach to enforcing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for privately rented properties.
- Installers guidance: This document outlines the requirements and procedures for installer companies wishing to particapete in the council's energy efficieny grant schemes.
Guidance documents
- Tenancy self service help and guidance:This document outlines procedures and guidelines for tenants to manage their tenancy effectivily through self-service options.
- Leasehold-handbook:This handbook outlines the rights and responsibilities of leaseholders.
- Lease-Extensions guide:This leaflet is to provide information to Luton Council Leaseholders about lease extensions.
- Licensing of hmos a guide for landlords and managers:This guide will provide essential information for landlords and managers about the requirements for licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in England.
- Controlling condensation and mould:This guidance will provide practical advice for tenants and homeowners on how to prevent and manage condensation and mould in their homes.
- Guidance on property sales and lettings:This guidance is intented to help property agents operate within legal framework and maintain high standards of practice.
- Lettings and voids leaflet:This leaflet provides new tenants with essential information about the condition and standards of their new council property before moving in.
- LandlordHHSRS_GuideV2:This guide will help landlords to understand and comply with the Housing Health and Saftey Rating System.
- Fire safety high rise living:This guide is designed to inform residents of high-rise buildings about fire safety measures and responsibilities.
- Mental health and homelessness advice pack 2025: This document will provide practical guidance and support for individuals facing mental health challangeds and homelessness in Luton.
- Homelessness statutory duties advice pack: This advice pack will guide individuals through the homelessness process, ensuring they are aware of their rights and the support available to them.
- Homelessness and domestic abuse advice pack-2025:This document will help individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse.
- Care Leavers Homelessness Advice Pack:This document is aimed at supporting young individauls transitioning from care into independant living particulary, those at risk of homelessness.
- Rough Sleeping Advice Pack:This pack provides information on how to access the available support services if you are experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping in Luton.
- Licensing fees for self-contained flats- additional licensing: This document outlines the obligations and procedural steps requried to comply with the Additional Licensing scheme for self-contained flats.
- HMO questions and answers: This document aims to address common queries from landlords, tenants and other stakeholders regarding HMO licensing.
- Right to Compensation Improvement:This document will help tenants understand their rights and procedures involved in claiming compensation for improvements made to their council home.
- Stay Warm for Less: This document will provide residents with information to reduce their energy bills and stay warm during the colder months.
- Help with digital skills: This document will help residents access support and training to enhance their digital skills.
- Money management: This document will assist residents in managing their finances effectively.
- Energy grants: This document will assist residents in accessing energy efficeny grants.
- Promoting Smoke-Free Housing:This document provides landlords and housing associations with advice on how to create smoke-free enviroments in their properties.
- Additional licensing q and a: This document provides answers to commeon questions regarding the counci'ls Addational Houses in Multiple Occupation Licensing Scheme.
© 2025 Luton Council, Town Hall, Luton LU1 2BQ