If you are coming to live in the United Kingdom from abroad and apply for entry clearance to the British High Commission, the Council's Environment Team carries out the property inspection and if satisfactory, provides documentation that satisfies the High Commission's requirements.
The High Commission may request that you obtain an independent assessment of the number of rooms and occupants of your proposed accommodation. A self-signed declaration signed by a family member or a declaration drawn up by a third party but based on uncorroborated information supplied by the applicant or a sponsor is not acceptable.
However, a report from a suitably qualified body certifying that a personal inspection has been carried out and giving details of accommodation inspected may be acceptable. Above all, the inspecting officer must be satisfied that the accommodation will not become overcrowded within the definition of the Housing Act 1985, that it will not contravene public health regulations, and that there are no Category 1 hazards at the property within the definition of the Housing Act 2004.
Before an inspection of the property is arranged, the Council's Environment Team will send its standard UK entry clearance intial letter, which asks you to fill in the required information section which includes:
From 1st April 2008 there is a charge of £100 for this service, which must be fully paid before an officer can carry out the inspection. Methods of payment are:
Telephone: (023) 9244 6670
Email: ehenvironment@havant.gov.uk
Visit: Civic Offices, Civic Centre Road, Havant PO9 2AX