Landlords are liable for civil penalties of up to £40,000 under the new Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) from June 23.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) points out that while HHSRS changes leave existing standards in place, there are new enforcement and penalty rules.
The NRLA points out that from later this month any hazard discovered in a private rental property during a council inspection will be categorised as high, medium or low – no longer A-J.
The highest risk hazards will automatically trigger council action against a landlord although discretion can be exercised over medium or low risk issues.
The association says: “The list of hazards isn’t changing, although it has been condensed – with some categories amalgamated to bring the total number down from 29 to 21.
“Historically the most common Category One hazards found in private rented sector homes are related to falls, excess cold, fire and damp and mould.”
It goes on to say that the merged categories most immediately relevant to landlords include:
- Indoor air pollutants: This includes exposure to chemicals, carbon monoxide, smoke and gas;
- Domestic hygiene: This includes (but is not limited to) issues with cooking and washing. facilities and also covers problems such as pest infestations and sanitation and drainage;
- Falls on the Level: This covers falls associated with toilets, baths and showers, as well as trip hazards and falls on level surfaces;
- Fire and Explosions: This concerns exposure to uncontrolled fire and associated smoke and fumes and explosions;
- Collisions, entrapment and ergonomics: This includes tenants banging into or getting trapped in windows and doors, and also covers issues regarding the positioning or functionality of other fittings in the property.
For a comprehensive list of all 21 hazards and what they cover, click here.
The definition of ‘fire hazard’ is expanding tons obvious fire and smoke to cover ‘exposure to uncontrolled fire and associated smoke and fumes; an explosion; or the collapse of the whole or part of a building as a result of fire or an explosion’.
This means a wider range of fire-related risks in a property could now trigger the requirement for a council to consult the fire and rescue authority before taking enforcement action.
The NRLA has this advice to landlords:
“If you are complying with all current health and safety guidance under the HHSRS you don’t need to do anything differently, however it is vital that you continue to carry out regular inspections of your properties to make sure they are hazard free and safe for your tenants to live in.”
The NRLA runs a property standards and safety course outlining landlord obligations when it comes to health and safety in rental homes. To find out more click here.
