Housing Health and Safety Rating System
(HHSRS)
The risk-based assessment system used by local authority Environmental Health departments to identify hazards in residential properties under Housing Act 2004 Part 1. Hazards are rated Category 1 (highest) or Category 2 (lower). Category 1 hazards engage a duty on the council to act — improvement notice, hazard awareness notice, prohibition order, or emergency works.
The 29 HHSRS hazards include: damp and mould, excess cold, excess heat, dust mites, asbestos, biocides, CO and other fuel combustion products, lead, radiation, uncombusted fuel gas, volatile organic compounds, indoor crowding and space, lighting, noise, falls, electrical safety, fire, food safety, personal hygiene, structural collapse, water supply. Each property is assessed and a score calculated. Tenants can request an HHSRS inspection from their council Environmental Health team — free of charge. Acts as a backstop where the landlord refuses to act.
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