UPDATE: Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

East Riding of Yorkshire Council sent this bulletin at 29-06-2026 03:28 PM BST

Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

As you may be aware, The Government has introduced changes to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) which came into effect on 23 June 2026. The changes are intended to make the system simpler and easier to understand whilst maintaining the existing legal framework for assessing housing conditions.

Key Changes:

1. Fewer Hazards: The number of hazards has been reduced from 29 to 21 through the amalgamation of several existing hazards into broader categories. For example, hazards relating to carbon monoxide, fuel combustion products and other similar issues are now assessed under Indoor Air Pollutants.

2. Simplified Hazard Bands: The previous hazard bands (A–J) have been replaced with three clearer categories:
• High (equivalent to a Category 1 hazard)
• Medium
• Low
Medium and Low hazards fall within Category 2. This aims to make outcomes easier to understand for both landlords and tenants.

3. Updated Harm Descriptions: The former Classes I–IV of harm have been renamed:
• Extreme
• Severe
• Serious
• Moderate
The assessment process remains risk-based but uses terminology that is more readily understood.

4. Updated Guidance and Assessment Criteria: National averages, hazard profiles and assessment guidance have been reviewed and updated to reflect current evidence and housing conditions. This includes revised guidance on fire safety and a greater emphasis on hazards such as damp, mould, and indoor air quality.

What This Means for You:
The changes do not introduce new landlord responsibilities. However, East Riding of Yorkshire Council will now use the revised HHSRS when assessing housing conditions and considering enforcement action under the Housing Act 2004. Landlords and agents should continue to ensure properties are safe, well-maintained, and free from significant health and safety hazards.

Further Information:
Government guidance for landlords and agents can be found here:

Landlord and Agent Guide to HHSRS: Landlord and agent guide to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) - GOV.UK

If you have any questions regarding the updated HHSRS, please contact the Private Housing Team.

Here is how you can contact the Private Rented Sector Housing Team: Private sector housing: private.sector.housing@eastriding.gov.uk

You have been sent this email as you are part of the Private Sector Housing email group. Emails will only be sent to you, to inform you of current legal concerns and upcoming new legislation which is relevant to the private renting of properties.

On occasions we will also inform you as to the Authority’s grant availability in relation to tackling excess cold and fuel poverty.

We encourage you to spread the information within to other landlords and agents, but also encourage you to contact this Authority for advice to assist in ensuring a well-managed, legally compliant housing stock. If you wish to be removed from our list, please email private.sector.housing@eastriding.gov.uk.

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