The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has been in place since 2006 and has not been updated since its introduction. From 23rd June 2026, a series of updates will come into effect, designed to make property assessments clearer, simpler and more consistent for landlords, tenants, agents and local authorities.
What is the HHSRS?
The HHSRS is the risk-based assessment tool used by local authorities to identify potential hazards within residential properties. It assesses the likelihood of harm occurring and the severity of the possible outcome.
If a local authority identifies a Category 1 hazard, it has a legal duty to take enforcement action. Where a Category 2 hazard is identified, the authority has the discretion to act.
The system applies to all residential housing, including privately rented properties, and is closely linked to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. HHSRS hazards are often used when determining whether a property is suitable for occupation.
What Is Changing?
Fewer Hazard Categories
The number of prescribed hazards will reduce from 29 to 21. Several existing hazards are being combined into broader categories, including indoor air pollutants, domestic hygiene, falls on the same level, fire and explosions and collisions, entrapment and ergonomics.
This should simplify the assessment process while ensuring risks are still properly identified.
Simpler Hazard Bands
The current A–J hazard bands will be replaced with three clearer categories:
- High
- Medium
- Low
High hazards will align with the current Category 1 hazards, while Medium and Low hazards will fall within Category 2. This change should make the severity of a hazard easier for landlords, agents and tenants to understand.
Updated Harm Classifications
The existing Classes I–IV will be renamed as:
- Extreme
- Severe
- Serious
- Moderate
While this is just a change in terminology, it provides clearer descriptions of potential outcomes.
Simplified Scoring System
Assessors will continue to consider both the likelihood and severity of harm. However, the scoring methodology is being updated to improve consistency and make assessment outcomes easier to understand.
Expanded Fire Hazard Definition
The definition of a prescribed fire hazard is also being widened. It will now cover risks associated with uncontrolled fire, smoke and fumes, explosions, and structural collapse caused by fire or explosion.
Importantly, these changes do not alter the minimum standards expected of residential properties. Homes must still be safe, well maintained and free from serious hazards. The updates relate to how hazards are described, scored and categorised during inspections, making regular property inspections and good record-keeping more important than ever.
Common Hazards Landlords Should Be Aware Of
Falls and Trips
Falls remain one of the most frequently identified hazards in rented accommodation. Common causes include uneven flooring, loose carpets, poor lighting, unsafe stairs, missing handrails, low windowsills and unsafe balconies.
Excess Cold
Properties may be considered hazardous where heating systems are inadequate, insulation is poor, damp is present and when tenants cannot effectively control the heating.
Damp and Mould
Damp and mould should never be dismissed without investigation. Potential causes include structural defects, plumbing leaks, blocked gutters, poor ventilation, inadequate heating and defective insulation.
Fire Safety
Fire risks remain a key area of assessment, including smoke and heat detection systems, safe escape routes, electrical safety, overloaded sockets, unsafe appliances, and fire safety measures within HMOs.
How MRC Can Help
Keeping up with changing legislation and property standards can be challenging, particularly for busy landlords managing properties themselves. At MRC, we take a proactive approach to property compliance. When we first onboard a property, whether occupied or vacant, a member of our maintenance team who is fully trained in HHSRS carries out a comprehensive inspection and produces a detailed report.
We identify potential hazards, advise on legal requirements and recommend any necessary works, helping landlords stay compliant and avoid costly issues further down the line.
If you'd like expert support managing your rental property, get in touch with MRC today and let us take the stress out of compliance.
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