The Government’s Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is changing for landlords, and category one hazards in rental homes could now mean an on-the-spot fine of £7,000. We know that’s a serious figure for any Sheffield landlord, so we’ve pulled together answers to some of the most common questions we’re hearing;
What if my tenant caused the hazard?
Most tenancy agreements already make tenants responsible for fixing damage they’ve caused. That means you can require them to put it right themselves, or recover your costs for doing so.
What if the hazard is caused by something the freeholder controls?
If the hazard sits in communal areas such as in a block of flats, local authorities won’t issue you a civil penalty. Where it’s inside the flat but caused by something under the freeholder’s control, your best move is to push the freeholder to carry out the work. If they won’t, keep a record — this gives you mitigating evidence to show the council you’ve done everything reasonable.
Do I have to share my risk assessment with my tenant?
No. You need to keep your property free of category one hazards, but you’re not obliged to show your tenant how you’ve assessed or met that standard.
How often should I check for hazards?
Some things only need checking once — a stair handrail, for example, unless a tenant reports it’s broken. That said, regular inspections are still good practice. The right frequency depends on your insurance and licensing requirements, but every six months is a sensible benchmark.
Could restricting the thermostat count as a hazard? How do I stop tenants running up huge bills?
Tenants need to be able to control their heating themselves — restricting that could be a problem. If you’re worried about high bills, build a fair use clause into the tenancy agreement, make tenants responsible for the bills, or fit individual room metering if it’s an HMO.
Our take for Sheffield landlords
With fines now reaching £7,000 per category one hazard, this is one to get ahead of rather than react to. Keep good records, inspect regularly (every six months is a solid rule of thumb), and document any steps you’ve taken where issues are outside your direct control.
Need a hand reviewing your properties or tenancy terms ahead of the new rules? Horizon Lets is here to help Sheffield landlords stay compliant and stress-free; get in touch today!
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