Government crackdowns on serious rental hazards
Summary
The Government has introduced stronger enforcement powers for councils to tackle serious hazards in privately rented homes, including fines of up to £7,000 for landlords who fail to address Category 1 hazards under the HHSRS. The revised Housing Health and Safety Rating System is now in force and is intended to make it easier to identify dangerous conditions such as severe damp or mould.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may be asked to identify, assess or report on hazards that fall within the HHSRS framework, particularly in the private rented sector. The update also increases the compliance and enforcement stakes for landlords and local authorities, which can affect inspection findings and remediation advice.
Key points
- Councils can now issue fines of up to £7,000 for serious rental hazards.
- The penalties apply to 21 Category 1 hazards under the HHSRS.
- The revised HHSRS framework came into force on 23 June.
- The Government says the update is the first major revision of HHSRS in 20 years.
- Severe damp or mould is cited as an example of the hazards targeted.
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