HHSRS Review Scoping Study: Tenant and Advice Agency Survey (New) |
RHE is undertaking a scoping study as the first stage of a review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The HHSRS is the approach taken to evaluate potential risks to health and safety of actual, or potential occupiers, from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. Evaluating the risks from housing conditions is the first step local authorities take when using their powers within Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004.
There are 29 hazards in the HHSRS (Annex 1), and after an inspection to identify defects in the dwelling, the surveyor assesses the likelihood of a hazardous event (such as a fall, or the exposure to damp and mould) that could arise from those defects and the severity of injury or illness that might occur as a result. The local authority then determines which of the powers available to them under the Housing Act 2004 is used to protect the occupiers. Such action can require the owner to carry out remedial action or prohibit use of all or part of the property from being occupied. If the hazard is rated as very serious (Category 1), the local authority has a duty to take one of the courses of action available to them; for other hazards (Category 2), they have discretion to take action.
We would like to seek the views of tenants and those organisations and agencies that provide support and advice to tenants regarding poor housing conditions. Your participation in this scoping study is welcomed in order to help inform the future direction of the assessment of housing conditions and the HHSRS.
There are 29 hazards in the HHSRS (Annex 1), and after an inspection to identify defects in the dwelling, the surveyor assesses the likelihood of a hazardous event (such as a fall, or the exposure to damp and mould) that could arise from those defects and the severity of injury or illness that might occur as a result. The local authority then determines which of the powers available to them under the Housing Act 2004 is used to protect the occupiers. Such action can require the owner to carry out remedial action or prohibit use of all or part of the property from being occupied. If the hazard is rated as very serious (Category 1), the local authority has a duty to take one of the courses of action available to them; for other hazards (Category 2), they have discretion to take action.
We would like to seek the views of tenants and those organisations and agencies that provide support and advice to tenants regarding poor housing conditions. Your participation in this scoping study is welcomed in order to help inform the future direction of the assessment of housing conditions and the HHSRS.