Swale Borough Council launched its “Healthy Homes” campaign on January 12, 2026, to help people in Sittingbourne, Kent, live in safer and warmer homes. The campaign’s “Healthy Home Checks” service offers free property inspections to identify common issues such as damp, mould and poor insulation in private rental properties.
Housing Health Officers are visiting homes in the Chalkwell and Roman wards to check for fire safety risks, damp and structural problems. Residents who participate in the scheme can receive Small Repair vouchers or be referred to local energy agencies for larger grants to help with heating and insulation upgrades.
According to Swale Borough Council, the goal is to prevent health problems caused by cold homes and to help landlords comply with the latest national rental standards. Tenants or landlords can book a visit through the council website or via a dedicated hotline to see if their property meets national standards for rental homes set by the UK Government.
Local reports from Kent Online have previously highlighted that many older terrace houses in the area struggle with ventilation issues. The council says the programme is designed to identify these problems early, which can help residents avoid respiratory illnesses and reduce long-term costs to health and social care services.
Residents who are worried about their living conditions or facing high energy bills can also seek support from the Sittingbourne Citizens Advice team. The council plans to continue these proactive home visits through March 31, 2026, to ensure local housing is fit for the future.
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