Landlords: is your property fit to live in?
Every house must satisfy certain requirements in order for it to be suitable for someone to live in.
If you think the house you are renting out or living in may not be suitable, contact us using the details below. The condition of houses is assessed using the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) available to download below.
If we identify a property which exhibits “Category 1 or 2 hazards” we can take enforcement action requiring you to carry out repairs to remedy the hazard. If you fail to comply, then you can face substantial fines or we may carry out the work ourselves and send you the bill.
More information is contained in the landlord’s guide to HHSRS included at the bottom of the page.
If you rent the property to more than two unrelated other people, it may be classed as a House in Multiple Occupation – additional standards and requirements apply – please follow this link for further information – Houses in Multiple Occupation.
Since 2020 under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 there has been an additional requirement for all private rented homes to have an electrical installations condition report, carried out at least every five years by a suitably qualified engineer, and for any code one or two fault to be rectified.
The new regulations and goverment guidence for landlords can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Visit the page Registered Competent Person to find local electricians that belong to approved schemes, please choose from those who are qualified to carry out electrical testing.
Please read the guidence carefully. Local authorities may impose financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlord's who are in breach of their duties.
Working safely
- COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities - GOV.UK
- Other people's homes - Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance - GOV.UK
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