The Housing Act 2004 introduced the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) in 2006 to help identify and evaluate defects and deficiencies that may have a potential effect on the health and safety of the occupiers and visitors in a dwelling or house in multiple occupation.
A rating score is produced for each hazard. This is used to determine what, if any, action needs may be taken to make a property safe. In Portsmouth, any action taken by the council considers:
- The rating score as determined by the HHSRS
- Whether the private sector housing team or the council have a duty or a power to act depending on the severity of the hazards identified
- The most appropriate course of action is to deal with the hazard
For more information on the HHSRS visit The Housing Health and Safety Rating System.