Fitness for Human Habitation- HHSRS

🏡 Landlord Obligations Checklist: HHSRS & Fitness for Human Habitation

⚖️ Legal Framework Overview

  • Familiar with Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) — 29 categories of potential hazards
  • Familiar with Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 — applies to all new tenancies (since 20 March 2019) and most existing tenancies
  • Ensure the property is free from serious Category 1 hazards under HHSRS
  • Maintain the property in a condition fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy

🏠 1. Structure and Stability

  • Property structure is sound — no risk of collapse or subsidence
  • Roof, walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and handrails are safe and well maintained
  • No loose or falling plaster, tiles, bricks, or fixtures

🌧️ 2. Damp and Mould Growth

  • No rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation issues
  • Adequate heating and ventilation in all rooms
  • Regular inspection and prompt repair of leaks
  • Mould removed safely and root cause resolved (not just treated superficially)

🌡️ 3. Excess Cold

  • Efficient heating system in all rooms
  • Adequate insulation in roof and walls
  • Windows and doors draught-proofed
  • Heating controllable by tenants (e.g., thermostats, TRVs)

☀️ 4. Excess Heat

  • Windows can open safely for ventilation
  • No uninsulated hot water pipes causing excessive heat

🔌 5. Electrical Safety

  • Valid EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) — renewed every 5 years
  • Electrical system free from defects or overloading
  • Sockets and switches safe, functional, and not damaged
  • PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) carried out annually (for supplied appliances)

🔥 6. Fire Safety

  • Smoke alarms and heat detectors installed and tested regularly
  • Fire doors in good condition and self-closing
  • Escape routes clear and well lit
  • Fire risk assessment completed and updated annually
  • Fire blankets/extinguishers provided where appropriate

💨 7. Carbon Monoxide and Fuel Combustion Safety

  • CO alarms installed in rooms with gas or solid fuel appliances
  • Annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) completed by Gas Safe engineer
  • Appliances and flues serviced regularly
  • Proper ventilation for all combustion appliances

🚰 8. Water Supply & Drainage

  • Potable (drinking) water supply maintained
  • No leaks or blockages in plumbing
  • Legionella risk assessment completed
  • Sanitary fittings in good condition (no leaks, cracks, or poor seals)

🚽 9. Sanitation, Hygiene & Refuse

  • Adequate, functioning toilets and washing facilities
  • Kitchens and bathrooms have hot and cold water
  • Suitable refuse and recycling bins provided
  • No pest infestations (vermin, insects)

🌬️ 10. Ventilation & Lighting

  • Natural and mechanical ventilation sufficient in all rooms
  • Bathrooms and kitchens have extract fans or windows
  • Adequate natural and artificial lighting throughout

🌡️ 11. Thermal Comfort & Energy Efficiency

  • EPC rating of E or above
  • Heating and hot water systems in good working order
  • Insulation and energy efficiency improvements made where possible

🧱 12. Crowding & Space

  • Bedrooms meet minimum size standards (as per HMO Licensing where applicable)
  • Adequate space for furniture and movement
  • No overcrowding based on occupancy limits

🪜 13. Falls, Collisions & Entrapment

  • Safe stairs, handrails, and floor surfaces
  • Windows above ground floor fitted with restrictors (where required)
  • No trip hazards (loose carpets, uneven floors)

⚙️ 14. Maintenance & Repairs

  • Reactive repairs carried out promptly
  • Records kept of all inspections and works
  • Tenants have clear method to report repairs
  • Annual property condition check completed

🧾 15. Documentation & Compliance

  • EPC, Gas Safety, and EICR certificates provided to tenants
  • “How to Rent” guide issued at start of tenancy
  • Deposit protected within 30 days
  • HHSRS and Fitness compliance reviewed annually