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IMMIGRATION ACCOMMODATION CERTIFICATES
The Private Housing Section provides a discretionary service to inspect properties and produce Accommodation Certificates. This certificate can be used as a supporting document by persons sponsoring an applicant who is applying to permanently settle in the UK.
This service will not be provided in support of temporary visas, such as lengthy holiday periods when a person has been granted a temporary stay in the UK and must leave before a given period of time has elapsed.
Please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page if you require an application form or any other information
Application and Fees
Prior to any inspection, an application form should be completed and an administration fee must be paid. The application form needs to be completed and signed by the sponsor. The form gives us information relating to occupancy and for clarity, names and relationships as spelt on the application are used to produce the letter. Once we have received the form, you will be issued a payment slip.
As of 1st April 2008, the cost of an accommodation certificate is £60.00. If any amendments, corrections or additions are required to the original certificate, these will be charged at a rate of £22.00.
Payment should be made at the council offices.
When you have made the payment, we will be able to make an appointment for an Environmental Health Technician to visit the property
Inspection
The aim of the inspection is to check that the property is fit for habitation and that extra occupants will not cause the property to be statutorily overcrowded (in particular, bedrooms will be measured which will form the basis of the overcrowding assessment) and that there will be adeqauete space for all parties and any dependants. Access to all rooms is required.
Inspections usually take 30 - 45 minutes and the sponsor is required to accompany the Council Officer around the property at all times and answer any questions required of them relating to the property .
Timescales and Appeals
This service is a discretionary service and once payment has been received every effort will be made to inspect and provide an accommodation letter within a reasonable period of time. However Environmental Health matters of public health significance will take priority. Please ensure you have allowed a sufficient period of time if you are planning to travel abroad to further support the applicant.
If your case is an appeal case please include with the application the correspondence received from the High Commission visa section detailing the grounds for refusal. In the case of an appeal we will endeavour to inspect and produce an accommodation letter prior to a scheduled appeal hearing.
Interpreter Service
If you require a language interpreter a telephone service is available in all languages and face to face interpreters can be made available by appointment in exceptional circumstances.
Other Contacts
You may find the following organisations helpful. Telephone numbers are given,or,alternatively,you can click on the link (where available)
Immigration Advisory Service
Opening Times - Mon – Fri 10.00am – 4.00pm
11 Millstone Lane, Leicester, LE1 5JN
Tel; 0116 2629899
Fax; 0116 2620040
Provides community legal advice & representation for immigrants & asylum seekers.
Charnwood Racial Equality Council
Opening Times - Mon - Fri 9.30am – 5.00pm Closed Tuesday pm
66 Nottingham Road,Loughborough, Leics , LE11 1EU
Tel; 01509 261651
Fax; 01509 267826
www.charnwoodrec.org
crec@btconnect.com
Provides assistance and information in completing any forms on welfare benefits,immigration,nationality & passports.
You may also find the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate website helpful for more in depth queries relating to immigration
Contact Details
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