The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 introduced the first major update to the HHSRS since the system was launched in 2006. The changes apply in England.
The HHSRS is used by local authorities to assess health and safety hazards in residential properties. The 2026 changes are intended to make the system simpler and easier to understand and use.
Key changes include:
- reducing the number of individual hazard categories from 29 to 21;
- introducing an updated assessment and scoring process;
- introducing new descriptive terminology for hazards;
- new baseline indicators to help identify what constitutes an acceptable level of safety; and
- updated statutory operating and enforcement guidance.
The underlying enforcement principles remain. Local authorities must take action where a Category 1 hazard is identified and have powers to take action in relation to Category 2 hazards.
What should organisations do?
Landlords, housing providers and organisations responsible for residential accommodation should familiarise themselves with the revised HHSRS and consider whether existing property inspection, hazard assessment and remedial-action processes need updating.
The change is particularly relevant to local authorities, social housing providers, private landlords and property professionals whose properties may be subject to HHSRS assessment.
Further information: [GOV.UK – Housing Health and Safety Rating System guidance] https://www.gov.uk/government
