Housing Act 2004

Private landlord responsibilities

The Housing Act 2004, which came into force on 6 April 2006, introduces a new definition for houses in multiple occupations (HMOs).  The Act means high risk HMOs must be licensed and provides a new system for assessing housing conditions known as the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

The HHSRS provides an assessment about a house's hazards to health and safety. It puts the emphasis on the occupant rather than the building. There are 29 hazards to be assessed including:

• freedom from dampness
• excessive cold
• falls on the level i.e., tripping hazards
• entry by intruders
• food safety
• electrical safety
• carbon monoxide

We can take enforcement action to ensure landlords eliminate and/or minimize these hazards. You can see more at:

• www.communities.gov.uk

• houses in multiple occupation

For more information, please contact us at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or 01329 236100.