The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) gives us powers and duties to target properties in the worst condition, which often house some of the most vulnerable people.
Any action we take under the system will be based on a three-stage consideration:
- the hazard rating determined under HHSRS
- whether we have a duty or power to act, determined by the presence of a hazard above or below a threshold
- our judgement as to the most appropriate course of action to deal with the hazard
The hazards that have to be assessed include:
- damp and mould
- asbestos
- carbon monoxide
- crowding
- noise
- food safety
- water supply
- fire
The courses of action available to us where we have a duty or a power to act include:
- serving an improvement notice requiring remedial works
- making a prohibition order, which closes the whole or part of a dwelling or restricts the number of permitted occupants
- taking emergency action
- serving a hazard awareness notice
- making a demolition order
The HHSRS hazard rating is based on the most vulnerable
potential occupant. We will be able to take account of the vulnerability of the actual occupant in deciding the best course
of action. We retain the power to act in default and prosecute for lack of compliance. We are also able to recover charges
for enforcement actions.
Further information about the HHSRS
can be found on the Department for Communities and Local Government website.