Housing standards

Housing standards

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the government's system for assessing the health and safety risks in dwellings, and is designed as a replacement for the old fitness standard used by the Residential Environmental Health Section to inspect properties in Hammersmith and Fulham.

The housing health & safety rating system (HHSRS): Housing Act 2004

What is it?

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the legal system for assessing the health and safety risks in dwellings.

Minimum standards for accommodation

All dwellings i.e. residential premises should provide a safe and healthy environment for current or future occupants or visitors. This includes the condition of the structure, associated outbuildings, gardens, yards and/ or other amenity space and means of access.

Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must meet the minimum standards .

HHSRS is a risk assessment process and is comprehensive in its coverage of key health and safety risks in dwellings.

In very broad terms, the Rating System works by assessing the risk associated with certain home hazards and if the likelihood of harm is significant the council may take action to ensure that the risk is removed or reduced.

The hazards

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assesses a dwelling against a list of hazards and the effect each hazard has. It considers the following hazards:

• Excess cold; damp and mould growth
• Fire and electrical hazards
• Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
• Crowding and space 
• Entry by intruders
• Noise
• Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
• Food safety
• Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
• Water supply for domestic purposes
• Structural collapse and falling elements
• Collision and entrapment
• Falls associated with baths; stairs and steps; between levels and on the level

Does the HHSRS apply to all types of residential accommodation? 

The HHSRS applies to residential properties irrespective of whether they are occupied by a homeowner or a tenant.  

What action can be taken?

Any action the council may take will be based on a three-stage consideration:
the hazard rating determined under an HHSRS assessment; whether the Council has a duty or power to act; and the council's judgement as to the most appropriate course of action to deal with the hazard.

There is a choice of action available to the council, including the following: serve an improvement notice requiring essential repairs or improvements; make a prohibition order, which closes the whole or part of a dwelling or restricts the number of occupiers; take emergency action where there is an imminent risk to the occupiers; serve a hazard awareness notice informing interested parties on the presence of hazards.

For detailed information about the HHSRS view the Department for Communities and Local Government website (opens new window) and search for Housing standards or alternatively the land lord associations guide

What should I do if I’m concerned about the standard of my accommodation? 

Deciding whether a home meets the standards set out in law can be very complex and can only be fully assessed by an officer experienced in this field. We may be able to provide advice or take action, but we can only take action if we are aware of any problems. 

If you are concerned about the standard of the property where you live, you should contact the private housing services using the contact details at the bottom of this page or email phs@lbhf.gov.uk

Office:  0208 753 1221
Fax:  0208 753 1250
Address:  5th Floor, Town Hall Extension
King Street
Hammersmith
W6 9JU