Supporting Safe, Healthy Homes and Regulatory Compliance
HHSRS surveys and training support social landlords in identifying, assessing and managing risks to health and safety within residential properties. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the statutory framework used in England and Wales to evaluate housing conditions and determine whether a home presents unacceptable risks to occupants.
We provide both HHSRS property surveys and CPD-accredited HHSRS training, helping organisations apply the system correctly, consistently and defensibly across their housing stock.
What Is HHSRS?
Background and Origins
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was introduced under the Housing Act 2004 and came into force in April 2006, replacing the former “fitness standard”. Unlike earlier approaches, HHSRS is not a checklist or pass/fail test. Instead, it is a risk-based assessment tool that considers how housing conditions can impact the health and safety of occupants.
HHSRS is grounded in evidence from public health, building science and epidemiology, focusing on the likelihood and severity of harm occurring as a result of identified hazards.
What HHSRS Measures
HHSRS assesses 29 prescribed hazards, grouped into four broad categories:
- Physiological requirements (such as damp, mould growth and excess cold)
- Psychological requirements (including overcrowding and noise)
- Protection against infection (such as sanitation and water supply)
- Protection against accidents (including falls, fire, electrical hazards and structural collapse)
Each hazard is assessed based on the probability of an incident occurring and the potential outcomes, resulting in a hazard score and classification.
Why HHSRS Matters for Social Landlords
For councils and registered providers, HHSRS plays a central role in:
- Meeting statutory housing standards
- Supporting Decent Homes compliance
- Managing disrepair and enforcement risk
- Informing asset management and investment decisions
- Demonstrating due diligence to regulators and auditors
Failure to identify and manage Category 1 or serious Category 2 hazards can result in enforcement action, reputational damage and increased liability.
HHSRS Surveys
Professional HHSRS Assessments
We undertake HHSRS surveys across all housing types, from individual dwellings to large social housing portfolios. Surveys are carried out by experienced practitioners who apply the methodology correctly and proportionately, ensuring assessments reflect real-world risk rather than theoretical assumptions.
Our surveys identify hazards, provide clear hazard ratings and set out practical recommendations for mitigation or remedial action. Findings can be integrated with stock condition data, compliance systems and asset management strategies.
HHSRS Survey Outputs
Our HHSRS surveys provide:
- Clear identification of hazards and risk levels
- Categorisation of hazards in line with statutory guidance
- Practical, prioritised recommendations
- Evidence to support enforcement, investment or compliance decisions
- Defensible documentation suitable for audit and regulatory review
CPD-Accredited HHSRS Training
Building Competence and Consistency
Correct application of HHSRS requires training, judgement and experience. We deliver CPD-accredited HHSRS training designed for housing professionals who need to understand, apply or interpret HHSRS assessments with confidence.
Our training is suitable for:
- Housing officers and surveyors
- Asset and compliance teams
- Environmental health and enforcement staff
- Repairs and maintenance professionals
- Managers responsible for housing quality and safety
What Our HHSRS Training Covers
Our CPD-accredited courses cover:
- The legal background and purpose of HHSRS
- Understanding the 29 hazards and how they arise
- Applying the HHSRS scoring methodology
- Interpreting hazard bands and categories
- Linking HHSRS to Decent Homes and housing quality standards
- Using HHSRS data to support decision-making and reporting
Training can be delivered in person or online and tailored to organisational roles and experience levels.
Why Choose Us?
We have extensive experience working with local authorities and social landlords, combining practical surveying expertise with a deep understanding of housing regulation and public health risk. Our CPD-accredited training and professional survey services provide assurance that HHSRS is being applied accurately, consistently and defensibly across your organisation.