Title: IMMIGRATION ACCOMODATION CERTIFICATES – GUIDANCE NOTES
Author: samuel draper
Company: Isle of Wight Council

IMMIGRATION ACCOMODATION CERTIFICATES – ONLINE GUIDANCE NOTES

As part of an application for Immigration into the UK, you may require evidence that your property is in good condition, being free from serious hazards and will not become overcrowded.  This is a discretionary function, however the Isle of Wight Council will carry out an inspection of a property and produce a report for Immigration purposes, known as an Accommodation Certificate. These guidance notes are aimed to advise customers on policy and procedures, and assist with the completion of applications.
How do you apply?
Typically prospective émigrés will have a sponsor acting for them in the locality. You can either continue with the online application by downloading and printing out all relevant forms, or you can contact the Housing Renewal Section of the Council either by telephone (01983) 823040, or by visiting us at 7 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1SS. If you collect an application form the form must be completed in full and in block capitals and ideally returned within one month.  This will help to ensure that details are completed properly on the letter.  There is currently no fee to pay for this service.  
What information needs to be provided for an application?
The sponsor normally completes the application form and will provide information about themselves, and the person(s) applying for UK immigration. Information must also be given about the property that is proposed to be the residence of the émigré when they arrive in the UK, including address, ownership or tenancy details, current occupants, landlords consent (if rented) and the facilities available. Additionally applicants must provide a copy of the letter from the High Commission requiring the Accommodation Certificate, a current utility bill (or other satisfactory proof) providing satisfactory proof of the sponsor’s residency.
Where the sponsor or the applicant owns the property, please complete the Proof of Ownership form. If the deeds have been sent to the owner a Council officer should be able to qualify these on inspection – please contact the Housing Renewal section of the Isle of Wight Council for further advice if this is the case.
If the property is rented by the sponsor from a third party a copy of the sponsors tenancy agreement will be required indicating the security of the tenure, the landlord’s consent will be required, please get your landlord to complete the Landlords Consent form, and a copy of the latest landlords gas safety certificate.
Important The details you complete on the form will be used to produce a report for the Immigration Authorities.  Incomplete forms or forms without payment cannot be processed and will be returned.  
When will the property inspection take place?
On receipt of a satisfactory application form, an officer from the Housing Renewal Team will contact you to make an appointment which will be at a convenient time to you, normally this will be within 14 days of the complete application being received.  Appointments will be booked for a morning or afternoon appointment for a particular day. 
What will happen at the property inspection?
The officer will have examined the application to assess the circumstances, and will undertake an inspection using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System to identify whether any serious hazards that may affect the health and safety of occupants.  They will also assess the number of people that are living there and whether the property will become overcrowded if the applicant moves in (and whether it is too crowded as existing).
What will happen next?
The officer will produce a report confirming the outcome of the application and the inspection. Where the property is suitable for the applicant to come and live there the sponsor and applicant will be able to utilise this as a certificate for the purpose of the Immigration Application. The report will also outline whether the property is unsuitable where necessary, and the reasons why. This will be sent within 5 working days of the inspection.  It is Council policy to send the report to the British High Commission in the applicant’s country of residence and a copy will be sent to the sponsor.
What happens if the property is not suitable, or if hazards are present?
It is important to note that the Council Officer undertaking the inspection is an enforcement officer. He or she is under a duty of care to any existing or potential occupiers or visitors under the Housing Act 2004. The property will be assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which identifies deficiencies that give rise to hazards. Should any significant hazards be present not only will the property be deemed unsuitable for the Immigration Application, but it is very likely that the Council would intervene to remedy the deficiencies. Intervention may lead to formal enforcement action depending upon the situation, however the Council will always try and resolve problems informally at first wherever possible. Less significant hazards may also be brought to the attention of the owner.
Who do I contact with queries?
Please contact the Housing Renewal section of the Isle of Wight Council by email to housing@iow.gov.uk, by telephone on (01983) 823040, or write to us at 7 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1SS
Are you finding applying difficult?
Should you have any difficulties completing the form, reading or understanding any of the information, or if you encounter any problems in applying for or relating to this service we would be pleased to assist in any way we can to help you overcome the access problem. 
If you would like this document translated, please contact us on (01983) 821000.

Immigration Accommodation Certificates Guidance – Isle of Wight Council 2011 – Housing Renewal section, 7 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1SS
AB/IACGuidance/12Sep11