HHSRS review how do the findings of the review affect your properties

RHE reported in February 2023 that the HHSRS review has now been concluded and they have provided the Government with the findings, recommendations, associated reports and proposed HHSRS guidance documents.

author
Published

27th March 2023

Author

Salma Crisp BSc(Hons) MRICS

HHSRS review

In October 2018, the government announced that the HHSRS would be reviewed and commissioned RHE Global to undertake a scoping review. The HHSRS Scoping Review (RHE, 2019) concluded that, while there was considerable support for the strong links between health and housing that the HHSRS provides, all stakeholders would welcome simplification of the assessment process. In February 2023 RHE reported that the review has now been concluded and they have provided the Government with the findings, recommendations, associated reports and proposed HHSRS guidance documents.

What is the HHSRS?
The HHSRS is an evaluation tool to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks and hazards to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. It was introduced under the Housing Act 2004 and applies to private rented properties, council and housing association homes and owner-occupied housing in England and Wales.

An Environmental Health Ocer carries out a visual inspection of the property and will then produce a specialist report. The EHO will be considering the chance of harm, the seriousness of the potential harm and any extra risk to children or older people.

There are currently 29 different hazards as part of the rating system. Hazards are listed and ranked by categories depending on their level of risk: ‘category 1’ or ‘category 2’ and carry diferent consequences:

• Category 1 Hazards – the most serious and the council must act.
• Category 2 Hazards – less serious or less urgent hazard, where action is suggested but is not compulsory.

What is the purpose of the review?
The HHSRS has been in place for 15 years but there have been significant changes since then, including building technology and knowledge about risk and hazards in buildings. The review aimed to consider ways to simplify the review process and recommend minimum standards as well as incorporating digital assessment tools.

Why is the review important?
The move to more transparency will reduce conflicts in interpretation and make it more open to landlords and tenants to engage with the process. Worked examples of minimum standards are a positive step which will help landlords understand their duties under the regulations.

What was the outcome of the review?
RHE and the project delivery team have now concluded the research and provided the Government with the findings, recommendations, associated reports and proposed HHSRS guidance documents. Following extensive literature reviews, stakeholder engagement, user testing and consultation with Government and across the sector, proposals covering 10 outputs and works streams have been submitted to inform each of the following themes and output requirements:

• Reviewed and updated HHSRS Operating Guidance
• Updated comprehensive set of worked examples (WEs)
• Review of HHSRS training requirements and competency frameworks
• Simpler means of banding the results of HHSRS assessments
• New minimum standards for incorporation into the HHSRS assessment process
• Assessment of the amalgamation or removal of existing hazard profiles • Identification of what a HHSRS digital assessment tool would achieve
• Reviewed and updated guidance for landlords and property-related professionals, and the introduction of separate guidance for tenants
• Reviewed and updated HHSRS Enforcement Guidance
• Review of the “Fire Hazard”

How can we support your HHSRS Assessments?
Using our Lifespan Housing Software, we can assist with the effective reporting and monitoring of your HHSRS assessment information. Lifespan Housing will enable you to assess all your properties against the 29 hazards listed on the HHSRS.

If you are already collecting HHSRS and asset data, we can advise on how this information should be managed and reviewed. Using our Lifespan Housing Software, and using your exiting data, we can provide you with a detailed list of those properties that may be at risk.

Through both our Lifespan software and our professional services teams, we can assist your organisations with the reporting and monitoring of your HHSRS data. For more information on how we can help, please get in touch- contact us