Public health - housing

Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

The following pages provide helpful information on the role of Environmental Health Team on matters of public health and housing.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) came into force in April 2006. The previous standard of fitness is now replaced by the HHSRS.

The HHSRS has introduced 29 hazards that will be taken into account when inspecting a dwelling. Each hazard will be rated having regard to a likelihood of harm and the outcomes that may result. A hazard score above 1000 (known as a category 1 hazard) requires compulsory action by the Local Authority, whereas a lesser score (category 2 hazard) allows discretionary action.

As a result of dwelling inspections, there is a choice of actions that can be taken by Local Authorities, ranging from informal action to serving a demolition order.

The following links provide further information concerning the HHSRS:

• HHSRS - guidance for landlords and other property professionals Department for Communities and Local Government

What is a HMO

A House in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) is a house, which is occupied by people who do not form a single household. Examples include:

• a house let as individual bed sitting rooms
• a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
• hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
• lodgings, and shared houses
• houses converted into self-contained flats

Exemptions

• house or flat with only two persons
• resident landlord plus two separate tenants
• houses converted entirely into self contained flats with Building regulations Approval, where at least one third are owner occupied
• houses subject to control orders
• registered social landlords (such as housing associations)
• houses registered under the Children Act 1989, Registered homes Act 1984
• educational establishments
• health service accommodation
• local authority owned property

What are the Standards?

A HMO will have to meet the Council's standards. These include:

• means of escape in case of fire and other fire precautions
• amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms toilets and wash hand basins
• overcrowding with regards to the number and size of rooms
• general fitness for occupation
• management standards
• gas safety
• furniture fire safety.