Information for landlords and private tenants
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a method Councils use to assess health and safety risks in residential homes.
It examines 21 potential hazards - like damp and mould, fire safety, and electrical issues, and scores them based on how likely they are to cause harm and how severe that harm could be.
Understanding the HHSRS helps tenants recognise when their home may not be safe, and helps landlords understand what they are legally required to put right.
Why HHSRS inspections happen
An inspection may take place to:
- check that a home is safe for the people living in it
- identify hazards that could affect someone’s health
- meet legal duties under the Housing Act 2004
- confirm what remedial work is needed to make the property safe
Inspections may be triggered by:
- a tenant complaint
- routine checks on licensed properties
- referrals from other agencies
- proactive investigations by the Council
What to expect during an HHSRS inspection
1. Notice and access
We’ll give landlords and tenants at least 24 hours’ notice of the visit. We’ll also need access to all areas of the property, including any outbuildings or shared spaces.
2. Property assessment
We’ll carry out a full inspection of the home, which will:
- identify any hazards
- check the general condition of the property
- take photographs as part of the assessment
3. Hazard scoring
We assess and score each hazard based on: the likelihood of harm the potential severity of harm. This score determines whether the hazard is Category 1 or Category 2.
4. Outcomes
After the inspection, we will:
- explain any hazards identified
- outline what remedial work is required
- highlight any advisory (recommended but not mandatory) improvements
Councils have a number of methods available to them to resolve these issues. Decisions will be made in accordance with the Private Sector Housing enforcement policy, as well as statutory guidance, and can range from informal schedules to more formal enforcement notices.
Where formal notices are issued, a statement of reasons will be included, explaining why the Council have determined formal intervention is needed.
Contact us
Please contact us on 023 9284 1797 or LandlordTenantSupport@portsmouthcc.gov.uk if:
- you’re a private renter and think your home needs a HHSRS inspection
- you have any questions or concerns as a tenant or landlord