Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.

Major HHSRS Changes Now in Force: What Letting Agents Must Know

Significant reforms to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) came into effect on 23 June 2026 under the Renters Rights Act 2025. The changes include a reduction in the number of hazards, a new risk classification system, and increased penalties for landlords.

The HHSRS is the framework used by local councils to inspect and assess hazards in privately rented properties. Inspections can be triggered by tenant complaints, selective licensing visits, or routine council checks. If a Category 1 hazard is identified, councils are legally required to act, and under the new rules, civil penalties can now reach up to £7,000 per hazard under section 6A of the Housing Act 2004.

Key Changes to HHSRS

The number of hazards assessed under HHSRS has been reduced from 29 to 21, with categories restructured to better reflect risks in modern housing. Any checklist or self-assessment template produced before June 2026 is now out of date and should not be used.

The previous A to J banding system has been replaced with a simpler classification: High, Medium, or Low risk. Four new harm classes—Extreme, Severe, Serious, and Moderate—have also been introduced, reflecting both the likelihood and seriousness of harm to occupants. Inspectors will use these classes to determine enforcement responses.

Civil penalties have increased significantly, with the £7,000 per hazard figure representing a substantial rise in financial exposure for landlords who do not maintain property standards. Councils in selective licensing areas are actively conducting inspections under this new framework.

Implications for Letting Agents and Inventory Clerks

Many landlords remain unaware of these changes, partly due to limited mainstream coverage. Some continue to use outdated paperwork or rely on letting agents to flag compliance issues. This creates a risk that properties are being assessed against a framework that no longer reflects current law.

Letting agents and inventory clerks should ensure that all property assessments and documentation are updated to reflect the new 21 hazards and risk classifications. Key areas to review include damp and mould, excess cold, falls, fire safety, electrical hazards, and security. Agents should advise landlords to replace any pre-June 2026 checklists and prioritise addressing High risk hazards under the new system.

A written self-assessment does not prevent enforcement if a serious hazard exists, but it can demonstrate good faith and due diligence to local authorities.