Fitness for human habitation
The Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023, published by the Welsh Government in October 2023, states in relation to fitness for human habitation (FFHH) requirements:
Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, landlords (private and social sectors) must ensure that the dwelling is FFHH on the date of occupation by tenant/s, and throughout the term of the occupation contract (tenancy agreement). Landlords are also required to keep the dwelling in good repair, including the structure and exterior of the dwelling as well as the service installations. The FFHH requirements under the 2016 Act and associated regulations include reference to the 29 prescribed hazards (matters and circumstances) set out in Schedule 1 of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (Wales) Regulations 2006. The FFHH obligation provides a remedy for contract holders to address concerns regarding the quality of their accommodation that fall outside the landlord’s repairing obligations. It is for the courts to determine whether a dwelling is FFHH. The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2021 may result in case law that modifies the application of the HHSRS. Landlords should ensure their interpretation of the application of the HHSRS is up to date with any such case law.
In addition to the Housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS), landlords will be required to attain to specific requirements for the installation of smoke alarms,carbon monoxide detectors and electrical safety testing for the purposes of satisfying FFHH obligations.
See also: Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- Converting commercial offices to residential accommodation.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrical safety in the private rented sector.
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
- House in multiple occupation.
- Landlord.
- Landlord and Tenant Act.
- Property disrepair and landlord liabilities.
- Schedule of condition of property.
- Tenant.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.