Housing health and safety rating system - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 06:44, 8 November 2023

2023-11-08T06:44:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:44, 8 November 2023
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	There has been some criticism that since the introduction of the HHSRS there have been no minimum property standards for rented housing in England, and have been failed attempts to introduce new legislation to require that residential rented accommodation is maintained in a state fit for human habitation.		There has been some criticism that since the introduction of the HHSRS there have been no minimum property standards for rented housing in England, and have been failed attempts to introduce new legislation to require that residential rented accommodation is maintained in a state fit for human habitation.
		+
		+	= [https://www.gov.wales/welsh-housing-quality-standard-2023-0 Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023] =
		+
		+	The [https://www.gov.wales/welsh-housing-quality-standard-2023-0 Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023], published by the Welsh Government in October 2023, states:
		+
		+	The Housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS) was introduced by the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS (Wales) Regulations 2006. The system is a health-based risk assessment tool for the evaluation of housing conditions. The HHSRS has not changed since its introduction in April 2006. The system operates by evaluating potential risk of harm to an actual or potential occupier from their living environment and is a means of rating the seriousness of any hazard/s identified. A hazard is any risk of harm to the health and safety of an occupier that arises from a deficiency. Deficiencies can contribute to any one or more of the 29 different hazards subject to an HHSRS assessment.
		+
		+	A hazard rating is expressed though a numerical score which falls within a hazard, there are 10 bands. Scores in Bands A to C are Category 1 hazards, imposing a duty on enforcing local housing authorities to take appropriate action under Part 1 of the 2004 Act. Scores in Bands D to J are Category 2 hazards, a local housing authority has a power but not a duty to act against any significant hazard in the case of Category 2 hazards.
		+
		+	Category 1 Hazards are whole house judgements and deficiencies leading to the assessment of a Category 1 Hazard may impact on more than one WHQS element. Deficiencies in any element (listed in Part 7 of the standard below) that contribute to an HHSRS Category 1 Hazard would automatically result in a fail for that element and thereby the dwelling failing the Standard. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System Guidance Operational Guidance can be obtained from the Welsh Government website and is free to download https://gov.wales/housing-health-and-safety-rating-system-guidance.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Designing Buildings at 08:01, 4 January 2022

2022-01-04T08:01:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:01, 4 January 2022
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	There has been some criticism that since the introduction of the HHSRS there have been no minimum property standards for rented housing in England, and have been failed attempts to introduce new legislation to require that residential rented accommodation is maintained in a state fit for human habitation.		There has been some criticism that since the introduction of the HHSRS there have been no minimum property standards for rented housing in England, and have been failed attempts to introduce new legislation to require that residential rented accommodation is maintained in a state fit for human habitation.

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki. ==~~=	+

		+	* Housing.
	* Housing Act 2004.		* Housing Act 2004.
	* Housing Design SPG.		* Housing Design SPG.
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	* Inclusive design.		* Inclusive design.

−	=== External references ===	+	= External references =

	* [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004].		* [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004].

Designing Buildings at 08:54, 24 November 2020

2020-11-24T08:54:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 24 November 2020
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	* Library briefing paper 7328: Housing fitness in the private rented sector.		* Library briefing paper 7328: Housing fitness in the private rented sector.

−	[[Category:~~Publications_/_reports~~]] [[Category:~~Policy~~]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:~~Standards_~~/~~_measurements~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Standard~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Policy]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

Editor at 13:59, 5 June 2018

2018-06-05T13:59:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:59, 5 June 2018
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−	The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was introduced in England and Wales by the Housing Act 2004. It replaced the pass or fail Housing Fitness Standard in April 2006 because of concerns that it did not properly distinguish between defects and health and safety hazards.	+	The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was introduced in England and Wales by the [[Housing_Act_2004\|Housing Act 2004]]. It replaced the pass or fail Housing Fitness Standard in April 2006 because of concerns that it did not properly distinguish between defects and health and safety hazards.

	The HHSRS is a risk-based assessment system used by environmental health officers (EHOs) to assess the likelihood and severity of 29 categories of potential health and safety hazards in residential housing (including fire). It can be used in private or social rented housing as well as owner-occupied housing, and is intended to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks to health and safety resulting from deficiencies in dwellings.		The HHSRS is a risk-based assessment system used by environmental health officers (EHOs) to assess the likelihood and severity of 29 categories of potential health and safety hazards in residential housing (including fire). It can be used in private or social rented housing as well as owner-occupied housing, and is intended to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks to health and safety resulting from deficiencies in dwellings.
Line 15:		Line 15:
	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===

		+	* Housing Act 2004.
	* Housing Design SPG.		* Housing Design SPG.
	* Affordable housing.		* Affordable housing.
Line 31:		Line 32:
	* Library briefing paper 7328: Housing fitness in the private rented sector.		* Library briefing paper 7328: Housing fitness in the private rented sector.

−	[[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Policy]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]	+	[[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Policy]] [[Category:DCN_Policy]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]]

Editor at 12:06, 5 June 2018

2018-06-05T12:06:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 5 June 2018
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	If the EHO finds a serious hazard (one scoring A – C, called a Category 1 hazard in the Act) the local authority is under a duty to take action. If an EHO finds a less serious hazard (one scoring D – J, called a Category 2 hazard in the Act) the local authority only need take action if they think it is necessary. Enforcement is intended to make the property safer for occupants and potential future occupants and may include the local authority carrying out any necessary remedial work themselves and reclaiming the costs if necessary.		If the EHO finds a serious hazard (one scoring A – C, called a Category 1 hazard in the Act) the local authority is under a duty to take action. If an EHO finds a less serious hazard (one scoring D – J, called a Category 2 hazard in the Act) the local authority only need take action if they think it is necessary. Enforcement is intended to make the property safer for occupants and potential future occupants and may include the local authority carrying out any necessary remedial work themselves and reclaiming the costs if necessary.

−	There has been some criticism that since the introduction of the HHSRS there have been no minimum property standards for rented housing in England, and ~~there here~~ have been failed attempts to introduce new legislation to require that residential rented accommodation is maintained in a state fit for human habitation.	+	There has been some criticism that since the introduction of the HHSRS there have been no minimum property standards for rented housing in England, and have been failed attempts to introduce new legislation to require that residential rented accommodation is maintained in a state fit for human habitation.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =
Line 18:		Line 18:
	* Affordable housing.		* Affordable housing.
	* Changing lifestyles.		* Changing lifestyles.
−	* Draft London Housing Strategy ~~(blog November 2013)~~.	+	* Draft London Housing Strategy.
	* Housing standards review.		* Housing standards review.
	* Inclusive design.		* Inclusive design.

Designing Buildings at 08:00, 9 July 2017

2017-07-09T08:00:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:00, 9 July 2017
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		+	The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was introduced in England and Wales by the Housing Act 2004. It replaced the pass or fail Housing Fitness Standard in April 2006 because of concerns that it did not properly distinguish between defects and health and safety hazards.

−	~~= Overview =~~	+	The HHSRS is a risk-based assessment system used by environmental health officers (EHOs) to assess the likelihood and severity of 29 categories of potential health and safety hazards in residential housing (including fire). It can be used in private or social rented housing as well as owner-occupied housing, and is intended to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks to health and safety resulting from deficiencies in dwellings.

−	~~The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reducing-the-risks-the-housing-health-and-safety-rating-system housing health and safety rating system] (HHSRS) is~~ a ~~method of assessing~~ housing conditions and ~~replaces the Housing Fitness Standard~~. ~~<br/>~~	+	Local authorities have a statutory duty to keep housing conditions in their area under review, and to inspect properties if they consider it appropriate to do so.

−	~~The~~ HHSRS is a risk-based evaluation tool that local authorities can use to assist them in identifying and preventing potential health and safety risks and hazards from developing in dwellings. It is applicable to all residential homes in England and Wales. It was introduced under the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004] and brought into effect by the ~~[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf~~ Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].	+	An HHSRS score is calculated following an inspection (as prescribed by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005), and the government has issued statutory Enforcement Guidance explaining the actions local authorities can take and the factors they should consider when deciding which action is the most appropriate.

−	~~The system does not outline minimum standards but focuses on avoiding or minimising~~ potential ~~hazards from developing~~.	+	If the EHO finds a serious hazard (one scoring A – C, called a Category 1 hazard in the Act) the local authority is under a duty to take action. If an EHO finds a less serious hazard (one scoring D – J, called a Category 2 hazard in the Act) the local authority only need take action if they think it is necessary. Enforcement is intended to make the property safer for occupants and potential future occupants and may include the local authority carrying out any necessary remedial work themselves and reclaiming the costs if necessary.

−	~~= Principles~~ of the ~~system =~~	+	There has been some criticism that since the introduction of the HHSRS there have been no minimum property standards for rented housing in England, and there here have been failed attempts to introduce new legislation to require that residential rented accommodation is maintained in a state fit for human habitation.
−		+
−	~~The system provides a method~~ for ~~grading the severity of threats to health and safety~~ in ~~dwellings including; houses~~, ~~non self-contained flats, self-contained flats, bedsits, rooms in university halls or other residential buildings.~~	+
−		+
−	~~== Hazards ==~~	+
−		+
−	~~The system includes 29 hazards which are related to:~~	+
−	*Damp.	+
−	*Excess cold or heat.	+
−	*Accidents, such as; falls, electric shocks, fires, burns, scalds and ~~so on.~~	+
−	*Collisions, explosions and structural collapse.	+
−	*Poor hygiene, sanitation and water supply.	+
−	*Lack of space.	+
−	*Security.	+
−	*Lighting.	+
−	*Excessive noise.	+
−	*Pollutants such as; asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead and so on.	+
−		+
−	~~== Assessment ==~~	+
−		+
−	~~An inspection of the dwelling is undertaken and an overall assessment score is calculated with each of the 29 hazards assessed individually and deemed a:~~	+
−	*Category 1 hazard if they are ‘serious’ and score highly.	+
−	*Otherwise a category 2 hazard.	+
−		+
−	~~== Action ==~~	+
−		+
−	~~If the local authority discovers a category 1 hazard in a home, they~~ have ~~a duty~~ to ~~take the most appropriate action. In the first instance this~~ is ~~an informal process, but if the action is unsuccessful, the local authority can serve notice on~~ a landlord requiring them to undertake improvements to the property. If only a minor hazard exists, the authority may serve a hazard-awareness notice to highlight the problem. If the householder is at an immediate risk, emergency remedial action may be undertaken by the local authority.	+
−		+
−	~~== Grounds~~ for ~~appeal ==~~	+
−		+
−	~~When an improvement notice or prohibition order is served on an owner or agent, they can appeal against the notice, typically within 21 days~~.	+

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===
−	*Housing Design SPG.	+
−	*Affordable housing.	+	* Housing Design SPG.
−	*Changing lifestyles.	+	* Affordable housing.
−	*Draft London Housing Strategy (blog November 2013).	+	* Changing lifestyles.
−	*Housing standards review.	+	* Draft London Housing Strategy (blog November 2013).
−	*Inclusive design.	+	* Housing standards review.
		+	* Inclusive design.

	=== External references ===		=== External references ===
−	*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004].
−	*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].
−	*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7853/safetyratingsystem.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System Enforcement Guidelines, Part 1: Housing Conditions].
−	*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9425/150940.pdf Housing health and safety rating system: guidance for landlords and property-related professionals].

−	[[Category:Publications_/_reports]]	+	* [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004].
−	[[Category:Policy]]	+	* [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].
−	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]	+	* [https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7853/safetyratingsystem.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System Enforcement Guidelines, Part 1: Housing Conditions].
		+	* [https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9425/150940.pdf Housing health and safety rating system: guidance for landlords and property-related professionals].
		+	* Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Bill.
		+	* Library briefing paper 7328: Housing fitness in the private rented sector.
		+
		+	[[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Policy]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

Designing Buildings at 12:01, 4 November 2014

2014-11-04T12:01:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:01, 4 November 2014
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−

	= Overview =		= Overview =

−	The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reducing-the-risks-the-housing-health-and-safety-rating-system housing health and safety rating system] (HHSRS) is a method of assessing housing conditions and replaces the Housing Fitness Standard. It is a risk-based evaluation tool that local authorities can use to assist them in identifying, and preventing potential health and safety risks and hazards from developing in dwellings. It is applicable to all residential homes in England and Wales. It was introduced under the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004] and brought into effect by the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].	+	The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reducing-the-risks-the-housing-health-and-safety-rating-system housing health and safety rating system] (HHSRS) is a method of assessing housing conditions and replaces the Housing Fitness Standard. <br/>
		+
		+	The HHSRS is a risk-based evaluation tool that local authorities can use to assist them in identifying and preventing potential health and safety risks and hazards from developing in dwellings. It is applicable to all residential homes in England and Wales. It was introduced under the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004] and brought into effect by the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].

−	The system does not outline minimum standards but ~~focusses~~ on avoiding or minimising potential hazards from developing.	+	The system does not outline minimum standards but focuses on avoiding or minimising potential hazards from developing.

	= Principles of the system =		= Principles of the system =

−	The system provides a method for grading the severity of threats to health and safety in dwellings including; houses, non self-contained flats, self-contained flats, bedsits, rooms in a university ~~hall~~ or other residential buildings.	+	The system provides a method for grading the severity of threats to health and safety in dwellings including; houses, non self-contained flats, self-contained flats, bedsits, rooms in university halls or other residential buildings.

	== Hazards ==		== Hazards ==
Line 21:		Line 22:
	*Lack of space.		*Lack of space.
	*Security.		*Security.
−	*Lighting	+	*Lighting.
	*Excessive noise.		*Excessive noise.
−	*Pollutants such as; asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead and so on	+	*Pollutants such as; asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead and so on.
		+
	== Assessment ==		== Assessment ==

Line 29:		Line 31:
	*Category 1 hazard if they are ‘serious’ and score highly.		*Category 1 hazard if they are ‘serious’ and score highly.
	*Otherwise a category 2 hazard.		*Otherwise a category 2 hazard.
		+
	== Action ==		== Action ==

Line 35:		Line 38:
	== Grounds for appeal ==		== Grounds for appeal ==

−	When an improvement notice or prohibition order is served on an owner or agent, they can appeal the notice, typically within 21 days.	+	When an improvement notice or prohibition order is served on an owner or agent, they can appeal against the notice, typically within 21 days.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

−	Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.	+	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki. ===
	*Housing Design SPG.		*Housing Design SPG.
	*Affordable housing.		*Affordable housing.
Line 46:		Line 49:
	*Housing standards review.		*Housing standards review.
	*Inclusive design.		*Inclusive design.
−	External references	+
		+	=== External references ===
	*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004].		*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004].
	*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].		*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].
	*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7853/safetyratingsystem.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System Enforcement Guidelines, Part 1: Housing Conditions].		*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7853/safetyratingsystem.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System Enforcement Guidelines, Part 1: Housing Conditions].
	*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9425/150940.pdf Housing health and safety rating system: guidance for landlords and property-related professionals].		*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9425/150940.pdf Housing health and safety rating system: guidance for landlords and property-related professionals].
		+
		+	[[Category:Publications_/_reports]]
		+	[[Category:Policy]]
		+	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

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= Overview =

The [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reducing-the-risks-the-housing-health-and-safety-rating-system housing health and safety rating system] (HHSRS) is a method of assessing housing conditions and replaces the Housing Fitness Standard. It is a risk-based evaluation tool that local authorities can use to assist them in identifying, and preventing potential health and safety risks and hazards from developing in dwellings. It is applicable to all residential homes in England and Wales. It was introduced under the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004] and brought into effect by the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].

The system does not outline minimum standards but focusses on avoiding or minimising potential hazards from developing.

= Principles of the system =

The system provides a method for grading the severity of threats to health and safety in dwellings including; houses, non self-contained flats, self-contained flats, bedsits, rooms in a university hall or other residential buildings.

== Hazards ==

The system includes 29 hazards which are related to:
*Damp.
*Excess cold or heat.
*Accidents, such as; falls, electric shocks, fires, burns, scalds and so on.
*Collisions, explosions and structural collapse.
*Poor hygiene, sanitation and water supply.
*Lack of space.
*Security.
*Lighting
*Excessive noise.
*Pollutants such as; asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead and so on
== Assessment ==

An inspection of the dwelling is undertaken and an overall assessment score is calculated with each of the 29 hazards assessed individually and deemed a:
*Category 1 hazard if they are ‘serious’ and score highly.
*Otherwise a category 2 hazard.
== Action ==

If the local authority discovers a category 1 hazard in a home, they have a duty to take the most appropriate action. In the first instance this is an informal process, but if the action is unsuccessful, the local authority can serve notice on a landlord requiring them to undertake improvements to the property. If only a minor hazard exists, the authority may serve a hazard-awareness notice to highlight the problem. If the householder is at an immediate risk, emergency remedial action may be undertaken by the local authority.

== Grounds for appeal ==

When an improvement notice or prohibition order is served on an owner or agent, they can appeal the notice, typically within 21 days.

= Find out more =

Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
*Housing Design SPG.
*Affordable housing.
*Changing lifestyles.
*Draft London Housing Strategy (blog November 2013).
*Housing standards review.
*Inclusive design.
External references
*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/34/contents Housing Act 2004].
*[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/3208/pdfs/uksi_20053208_en.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005].
*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7853/safetyratingsystem.pdf Housing Health and Safety Rating System Enforcement Guidelines, Part 1: Housing Conditions].
*[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9425/150940.pdf Housing health and safety rating system: guidance for landlords and property-related professionals].