The HHSRS was introduced with the Housing Act 2004, and replaces the previous housing fitness standard. The Government introduced the system as the way of deciding whether the housing conditions of residential premises are satisfactory. It looks at whether premises have any defects that may give rise to a hazard, which in turn could cause harm to the occupiers, or any visitors. A residential property should be capable of satisfying the basic fundamental needs for the everyday life of a household, such as providing shelter, space and facilities for the occupants.
The HHSRS identifies 29 potential hazards (listed below) and the effects that each may have on the health and safety of the current or future occupant or any visitor to the property. It applies to all residential properties irrespective of whether they are occupied by a homeowner or a tenant. It is not possible to completely remove all risk of harm from within the property, but the system provides a way that hazards can be assessed and to decide on what is the best way of dealing with them.
Further information about the HHSRS can be downloaded here (PDF 49KB) >>
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Health threat from dust mites, mould or fungal growths caused by dampness and/or high humidity.
Health threat from sub-optimal indoor temperatures.
Health threat caused by excessively high indoor temperatures.
Health threat from inhalation of microscopic fibres.
Hazards resulting from contact with chemicals used to treat timber and mould growth.
Hazards resulting from excess levels.
Hazards resulting from ingestion.
Principally health threat from exposure to Radon and its sister gases.
Threat of asphyxiation from escaping fuel gas.
Health threat from exposure to harmful gasses released from fabrics and paints etc at room temperature.
Health hazards linked to lack of space for sleeping and normal household life.
Psychological and actual threat to health and safety from inadequate security against unauthorised entry.
Threats to mental and physical health from poor lighting.
Threats to mental and physical health from excessive noise
Health hazards due to poor design, construction and disposal of household waste.
Threats of infection from unhygienic conditions
Threats of infection and to mental health from unhygienic conditions.
Health threats from polluted water.
Includes injury from falls associated with showers.
Includes injury from trip steps, thresholds and ramps where the change in level is less than 300mm.
Includes injury from stairs and steps where the change in level is greater than 300mm.
Includes injury from falls from windows, balconies and landings.
Hazards from electric shock and electricity burns.
Threats to health from uncontrolled fires including the effects of smoke.
Includes burns and scolds from non-hot water based liquids.
Injury from trapping body parts and striking objects that are architectural features such as low ceilings, door openings.
Injury caused from the blast of an explosion.
Strains caused by poor design and layout.
Injury from falling objects due to structural failure, inadequate fixings and disrepair.