The HHSRS
HHSRS Enforcement is complicated and the consequences of not complying can be severe. If you have been served with a formal notice or order you should research the legislation very carefully or seek legal advice, ensure that you are fully familiar with all the correspondence and comply with the deadlines imposed.
The HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System), introduced by the Housing Act 2004, is a radical new system which gives local authorities wide-reaching powers to enter and inspect properties, seek improvements and enforce them.
Because the system is still relatively new and because the HHSRS findings depend hugely on the subjective assessments made by EHOs exercising their discretion and their application of the maths involved, it is not surprising that landlords and agents served with notices disagree - often profoundly - with the notices they are served with.
There are specific procedures that must be followed for inspection, assessment and enforcement. It is worth checking that these procedures have been followed.
*****If an improvement notice has not been served and work has not started or been completed within the specified time in the notice, and an appeal has not been lodged, an offence has been committed unless the defence of reasonable excuse can be established*****
We can provide advice on the following areas:
For specialist advice on the HHSRS you can call us on 0207 404 1147.
The HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System), introduced by the Housing Act 2004, is a radical new system which gives local authorities wide-reaching powers to enter and inspect properties, seek improvements and enforce them.
Because the system is still relatively new and because the HHSRS findings depend hugely on the subjective assessments made by EHOs exercising their discretion and their application of the maths involved, it is not surprising that landlords and agents served with notices disagree - often profoundly - with the notices they are served with.
There are specific procedures that must be followed for inspection, assessment and enforcement. It is worth checking that these procedures have been followed.
*****If an improvement notice has not been served and work has not started or been completed within the specified time in the notice, and an appeal has not been lodged, an offence has been committed unless the defence of reasonable excuse can be established*****
We can provide advice on the following areas:
- Inspection notices
- Hazard profiles, in particular excess cold and fire safety
- Hazard scores
- The alleged level of harm
- Improvement notices
- Prohibition orders
- Enforcement Action by the local authority
For specialist advice on the HHSRS you can call us on 0207 404 1147.