The Housing Health and Safety Rating System, usually shortened to HHSRS, is a risk-based way of assessing health and safety hazards in homes. It considers the potential harm to an occupier and the seriousness of a hazard, rather than simply recording whether a feature looks untidy or outdated.
The government’s guidance collection, updated in June 2026, says the revised system covers 21 potential hazards. It states that new regulations brought a review of the system into force in 2026. That updates the description in this August 2024 archive article, which referred to 29 hazards.
Councils use HHSRS when enforcing standards in rented homes. The government also describes its role in the Decent Homes Standard for social housing and in assessing conditions through the English Housing Survey. These uses should not be confused with a landlord issuing a general certificate that a property is safe in every respect.
Start with the reported condition
For a landlord or agent, a useful maintenance record identifies what was reported, where it is, when it was first noticed and what has happened since. Keep observations separate from an assumed cause. A photograph may help explain an issue, but it does not necessarily establish the complete diagnosis or the level of risk.
Ask a suitably competent person about the inspection or work needed. Make sure any urgent concern is raised promptly through the appropriate route rather than waiting for a routine review. Keep the occupier informed about the next step and who is responsible for arranging it.
Keep actions and evidence together
Record the advice received, the work agreed and the follow-up needed to confirm the outcome. If several people are involved, clarify who will monitor outstanding actions. An invoice alone may not answer whether the original concern has been resolved, so ask what checking is appropriate.
Use the right guidance for the question
HHSRS is one part of understanding housing conditions. Specific requirements about electrical safety, alarms, gas or other matters should be checked against the guidance applying to that issue. This short introduction does not provide technical settings or substitute for an inspection.
The official collection was checked on 3 November 2026. Readers should use its current operating and enforcement material and seek property-specific advice where needed, rather than rely on an old list or assume the same response follows every reported defect.