Housing health and safety ratings system

We will investigate health and safety concerns about private rented housing in line with the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Introduced in the Housing Act 2004, HHSRS is a risk-based system that helps us to identify potential hazards and then use a points-based system to assess their severity. 

The aim is to provide a method by which local authority inspectors can assess the risks from hazards in a property. 

The assessment method focuses on identifying hazards that are present in housing and tackling these hazards to make housing healthier and safer to live in.

Once risks are identified, we may then use their enforcement powers to address the identified hazards.

The key principle of the system is that a dwelling, including the structure and associated outbuildings and garden, yard and/or other amenity space and means of access, should provide a safe and healthy environment for the occupants and, by implication, for any visitors.

More information

Visit the government's website for more information.

More information is also available the National Residential Landlords Association's website.