HHSRS

The Housing, Health and Safety Rating System is used to assess risks and hazards with residential premises in both the private and social housing sectors. HHSRS was first introduced by the Housing Act 2004 and has been in force since April 2006.  It was introduced to replace a Housing Fitness Standard which had been in use since 1990.

Environmental Health professionals use the HHSRS to assess risks and health and safety concerns in the Private sector and Social housing.  Landlords have access to the HHSRS assessment to enable them to identify risks and hazards that need attention.  This ensures that they conform with the HHSRS.

 Examples of hazards to assess when completing an HHSRS Risk Assessment are:-

     Risk                                                            Causes                                                                    Health & Safety Concerns

Excess Heat Exposure to excessively high temperatures Dehydration, Trauma, Stroke and Respiratory issues.
Excess Cold Exposure to excessively low temperatures Flu, Pneumonia, Heart attack and Stroke
Asbestos Exposure to Asbestos Lung infection 
Damp / Mould Exposure to damp and mould spores Asthma, Allergies, Inhalation of toxins from mould and fungal growth
Carbon Monoxide Excess levels of Carbon Monoxide Dizziness, Nausea, Headache and Breathing difficulties, Working Carbon Monoxide Alarm  
Radiation Exposure to high levels of Radiation Lung Cancer
Biocides Chemicals used to treat timber, mould etc.Breathing difficulties, Skin Irritation
Crowding Hazards associated with over-crowdingMental Disorders, accidents, health and hygiene issues from overcrowding
Lighting Exposure to natural lightEyestrain, headaches caused by lack of natural light
Intruder, Security Lack of property securityStress and mental disorder, fear of burglary
Food safety Lack of sufficient food-prep areasThe threat of infection, vomiting, dehydration, dioreah.
Noise Exposure to excessive noiseLack of sleep, anxiety, poor concentration, Headaches
Water Supply Contamination of water supplyLung infection, Tired, Headache, Legionella Disease
ElectricalIssues with Electrical SafetyPhysical Injury, Valid inspection certificates.
Fire Fire SafetyBurns, Smoke, Breathing issues, Working smoke detectors.
Domestic HygieneWaste Storage, clearing Waste, Pest controlStomach issues, Diarrhea, Asthma, Allergies, rat and mouse problems
Lead Ingestion of lead via paint or waterLead poison, Nerve Disorder, Mental Health issues
Uncombusted FuelEscaping gassesSuffocation
Organic Compounds Health Issues associated with chemicals becoming gaseous at room temperatureAllergies, Skin irritation, Headache, Nausea and Dizziness.
Personal hygiene Infection caused by poor sanitationSkin infection, Depression
Flammables, Hot Surfaces and Materials Burns, scalds, Liquid VapourPhysical injury and Breathing Issues
Collision and Entrapment Physical injury associated with windows, doors and low ceilingsPhysical Injury
Explosion Resulting in building CollapsePhysical injury, Crush Injury
Ergonomics Physical Strain associated with functional spaceStrains, Sprains
Falls Associated with bathsPhysical injury, cuts, bruising
Falls Level Surfacing – Yards, Paths, Steps, Thresholds, less than 300mmPhysical injury, Bruising, fractures
Falls Stairs and Steps – Ramps, disabled access, steps and stairs, levels more than 300mmPhysical injury, Bruising, Fractures
Falls Between Levels – Balconies, Landings and WindowsPhysical Injuries, Bruising, Fractures

 

Risks can be categorized by hazard level if a risk is identified as serious, it is classed as Hazard Level 1.  Should the risk be less serious is it categorized as Hazard Level 2.  

Anu issues should first be reported to your landlord or the relevant Health and Housing Team at your local authority.  Where hazards are identified, the Heath and Housing team will ensure that the Landlord or Owner of the property looks into removing or reducing the hazard. 

Should you have issues that can not be resolved directly with your landlord, the Local Environmental Health team may be able to assist you in the best course of action.  When the Environmental Health Team take formal action it starts with a “Hazard Awareness Notice” being issued. 

This notice outlines the hazard, the categorization of the hazard and their reasons for the notice being issued.  A copy of the notice is provided to both tenant and landlord. Should the Landlord not comply with the Hazard Awareness Notice within a specified time frame, the tenant is to return to Environmental Health where further action can be sought.

Environmental Health Agency can Issue an “Improvement Notice to the landlord.  An Improvement Notice again outlines the Hazard, gives the landlord information on how to resolve the issues and allows for a timescale for the repairs to be completed.  Should an Improvement Notice be issued, the landlord is not usually permitted to issue a Section 21 Notice for a further 6 months.

Emergency remedial action can be taken by the Local Authority if a landlord fails to comply with the above.  The Council will look to carry out the remedial works and charge the landlord accordingly for the works.  This can be done should a person within your home be deemed at risk or harm from the hazard. An Emergency Remedial notice is issued with 7 days notice,

Pinnacle Property Services can provide a detailed HHSRS (Housing, health and Social Rating System) Risk Assessment for your rented property.  A copy of the inspection will be provided to the Landlord, Tenant and Local Letting Agent.  HHSRS Certificates are valid for a 2 year period on new properties. Older properties are granted a 3-year Certificate, should any improvement notices be given.  A 5-year certificate is given to all properties deemed to be in good condition and show no need for any further works.