With temperatures set to soar this summer just like over the past week it’s not just about cracking open a window. As a Sheffield lettings agency, Horizon Lets wants our landlords and tenants alike to know where they stand when the mercury rises.
Is there a legal definition on how hot is too hot?
Surprisingly, no. Excess heat is recognised as a hazard under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) but while there are minimum temperature rules for winter (18°C in bedrooms, 21°C in living rooms) there’s no maximum figure for summer.
That doesn’t mean it’s not serious government data linked around 3,000 excess deaths to the 2022 heatwave and 1,500 last year. Risks rise further once indoor temperatures hit 25°C especially for elderly tenants or those with cardiovascular conditions. Top floor flats in built up areas such as city centres tend to be the worst affected.
What should Sheffield landlords be doing?
There’s no legal duty for landlords to provide fans or air con but you do need to ensure proper ventilation and with new rules bringing in on the spot fines of up to £7,000 for HHSRS breaches it’s worth taking seriously.
Simple low cost steps go a long way: a fan, blinds or shutters, reflective window film or just a quick chat with the tenants about when to open windows for airflow. Air conditioning is an option too though it comes at a cost and if you’re considering an air to air heat pump note that current funding support has some restrictions attached.
What are other landlords actually doing?
In the National Residential Landlord Association’s 2026 landlord survey 56% had taken steps to tackle overheating even though only 26% of tenants had actually raised it as a concern.
Of those landlords who acted 68% installed wall mounted cooling or air con units, 44% fitted blinds or shutters and 40% gave ventilation advice. A proactive approach clearly pays off and it’s something we always encourage our landlords to think about ahead of the warmer months.
Will new energy efficiency rules make homes hotter?
Good news here, insulation upgrades (wall and loft insulation for instance) generally don’t increase overheating risk and can actually help keep rooms cooler as long as the property is properly ventilated. Skip the ventilation though and you risk a stuffy home with a mould problem on top. The takeaway for any retrofit work: think “whole home,” not just one fix at a time.
Our advice to Sheffield landlords
Don’t wait for a complaint. A few practical low cost changes now better airflow, shading, a sensible word with your tenants can make a real difference to comfort and safety and help you stay ahead of the new HHSRS enforcement rules.
Got a property you’re worried about or want a chat about getting it summer ready? Get in touch with the Horizon Lets team we’re here to help Sheffield landlords stay compliant and Sheffield tenants stay comfortable.
Related Articles
- Should I Let My Tenant Decorate?
- The Importance Of Building A Good Relationship With Your Tenants
- What Landlords Should Know About ‘White Goods’
- Starting your Property Portfolio
- Landlord’s Guide to Letting Property
