The HHSRS Changes on 23 June 2026: What Landlords and Letting Agents Need to Know

From 23 June 2026, changes to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) will come into effect in England. While the minimum standards expected of rental properties remain unchanged, the way hazards are assessed, categorised and communicated during inspections is being updated.

The reforms are designed to make the system clearer, more consistent and easier for local authorities, landlords, letting agents and tenants to understand.

What is HHSRS?

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the framework used by local authorities to assess potential health and safety hazards within residential properties.

Introduced under the Housing Act 2004, the system helps councils identify risks that may affect occupants and determine whether enforcement action is necessary.

What Is Changing?

The revised framework does not introduce new minimum property standards. Instead, it changes how hazards are described and categorised during inspections.

Key updates include:

Simplified Hazard Categories

The previous scoring and classification approach is being replaced with a clearer structure that groups hazards into:

• High Risk
• Medium Risk
• Low Risk

This aims to improve consistency and understanding across the sector.

Updated Risk Descriptions

The language used to describe levels of harm is also changing.

Risk levels will now be described using terms such as:

• Extreme
• Severe
• Serious
• Moderate

The intention is to make assessment outcomes easier to interpret for property professionals and tenants alike.

Improved Enforcement Clarity

Local authorities will continue to have a duty to take action where serious hazards are identified and retain discretion regarding less severe issues.

The revised framework seeks to make enforcement decisions more transparent and easier to communicate.

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

Although the changes do not create new property standards, landlords should ensure they continue to:

✓ Carry out regular property inspections
✓ Address maintenance issues promptly
✓ Keep detailed records of repairs and safety checks
✓ Respond quickly to tenant-reported concerns
✓ Maintain evidence demonstrating compliance

Documented evidence of property management and maintenance may become increasingly important during inspections.

What Does This Mean for Letting Agents?

Letting agents should review existing compliance procedures and ensure landlords understand the updated framework.

Areas of focus include:

• Property inspection processes
• Maintenance reporting systems
• Record keeping
• Safety compliance documentation
• Landlord communication

Helping clients stay proactive can reduce the likelihood of enforcement action and support better tenant outcomes.

Preparing for the Changes

The best preparation remains good property management.

Properties should continue to be maintained to a safe standard, with hazards identified and addressed before they become serious issues.

While the terminology and assessment process are changing, the underlying objective remains the same: ensuring safe, healthy homes for residents across England.

Need Help Staying Compliant?

Keeping up with regulatory changes can be challenging, especially as compliance requirements continue to evolve across the UK property sector.

Whether you're a landlord, investor, or letting agent, understanding how changes like the HHSRS updates may affect your properties is essential for reducing risk and maintaining high housing standards.

At SH Property Consultancy, we help property professionals navigate compliance requirements, property management challenges, and investment strategies with confidence.

📞 Speak with our team today to discuss your property goals and compliance needs.

🌐 www.shpropertyconsultancy.co.uk

📞 079 4348 5748

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References

Propertymark:
https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/the-hhsrs-changes-on-23-june-2026-here-is-what-you-need-to-know.html

UK Government Draft HHSRS Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-statutory-housing-health-and-safety-rating-system-hhsrs-operating-and-enforcement-guidance