On the 20th March a revised law (already within Section 8 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985) comes into force which outlines 29 hazards, defined in the HHSRS, which could make a home unsafe.
The Act is designed to ensure that all rented accommodation is fit for human habitation and to strengthen tenants’ means of redress against the minority of landlords who do not fulfil their legal obligations to keep their properties safe.
These hazards will determine whether a property passes or fails a fitness for human habitation test. If a landlord fails to comply with the Act, tenants may have the right to take court action for breach of contract.
The 29 hazards are:
1. Damp and mould growth
2. Excess cold
3. Excess heat
4. Asbestos and MMF
5. Biocides
6. Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
7. Lead
8. Radiation
9. Uncombusted fuel gas
10. Volatile organic compounds
11. Crowding and space
12. Entry by intruders
13. Lighting
14. Noise
15. Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
16. Food safety
17. Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
18. Water supply
19. Falls associated with baths
20. Falls on level surfaces
21. Falls associated with stairs and ramps
22. Falls between levels
23. Electrical hazards
24. Fire
25. Flames, hot surfaces and materials
26. Collision and entrapment
27. Explosions
28. Poor ergonomics
29. Structural collapse and falling elements
If you are concerned whether or not your rental properties meet the standards then please contact our management team for more information.