The 21 HHSRS Hazards Explained: A Landlord's Guide to Keeping Properties Safe and Compliant.

The 21 HHSRS Hazards Explained: A Landlord's Guide to Keeping Properties Safe and Compliant

In our previous blog, we introduced the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) which was amended on 22^nd June 2026 and explained why it matters to landlords.

Now it's time to take a closer look at the 21 hazards that local authorities assess during inspections.

Understanding these hazards doesn't just help you stay compliant, it helps you create safer homes, reduce maintenance costs, and minimise the risk of enforcement action.

We have put together a table of all 21 hazards and what they mean which will help you with what steps you can take as a responsible landlord when doing your property inspections to record any potential issues before they arise and take action as appropriate.

The table below and our checklist we have created can be accessed on the website here https://www.easternlandlords.org.uk/2026-of-setting-up-your-tenancy

HHSRS - Categories and the 21 Hazards

Category 1 Hazard — A serious and immediate risk to health and safety. Local authorities must take action.

Category 2 Hazard — A less serious or less urgent hazard. Authorities may take action where appropriate.

Group	No.	Hazard	What to consider
Protection against accidents	1	Falls on the level	Trips and slips, including falls associated with baths and showers.
Protection against accidents	2	Falling on stairs etc.	Falls on internal or external stairs, ramps, steps and similar changes in level.
Protection against accidents	3	Falling between levels	Falls from windows, balconies, landings, roofs or other height differences.
Protection against accidents	4	Fire and explosions	Uncontrolled fire, smoke, fumes, explosions and fire/explosion-related collapse.
Protection against accidents	5	Flames, hot surfaces, etc.	Burns and scalds from cooking, heating, hot water, hot pipework or surfaces.
Protection against accidents	6	Collisions, entrapment and ergonomics	Injury from layout, restricted circulation, sharp edges, trapping points or poor usability.
Protection against accidents	7	Structural collapse and falling elements	Collapse or failure of the structure, ceilings, walls, chimneys, balconies or insecure elements.
Protection against accidents	8	Electrical hazards	Electric shock, burns or fire risk from defective, unsafe or poorly maintained electrical systems.
Physiological requirements	9	Excess cold	Inadequate thermal comfort, heating, insulation or energy performance contributing to cold-related harm.
Physiological requirements	10	Radiation	Exposure to radon or other forms of harmful radiation where relevant.
Physiological requirements	11	Damp and mould growth	Persistent damp, condensation, mould, water ingress or poor moisture control.
Physiological requirements	12	Lead	Lead in paint, water supply pipes or other building materials creating exposure risk.
Physiological requirements	13	Indoor air pollutants	Poor indoor air quality from combustion products, VOCs, allergens, smoke, ventilation issues or pollutants.
Physiological requirements	14	Excess heat	High internal temperatures due to poor design, ventilation, shading or cooling options.
Physiological requirements	15	Asbestos and manufactured mineral fibres	Exposure to asbestos or MMF from damaged, disturbed or poorly managed materials.
Protection against infection	16	Domestic hygiene	Poor facilities, pest proofing, refuse storage, drainage, cleansing or conditions encouraging infection.
Protection against infection	17	Water supply	Inadequate, contaminated or unreliable water supply and associated sanitary provision.
Psychological requirements	18	Crowding and space	Insufficient living, sleeping or circulation space for the household using the home.
Psychological requirements	19	Entry by intruders	Weaknesses in doors, windows, locks, lighting or layout increasing risk of unauthorised entry.
Psychological requirements	20	Noise	Unreasonable internal or external noise exposure affecting health and wellbeing.
Psychological requirements	21	Lighting	Insufficient natural or artificial light, glare or poor lighting to circulation and habitable areas.