Following the Summary report: outcomes and next steps for the review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS),we have just been notified of the government’s intention to pursue the formal due process and implementation of the new HHSRS regulations and guidance for England. Housing experts at RHE Global, who led the review, brought together leading housing professionals and academics to evaluate numerous aspects of the HHSRS, including the number of hazards, how hazards are scored and banded, and how indicative baseline standards could be considered as part of the risk assessment process. This work also entailed the production of new guidance documents and case studies to support housing professionals in using the system effectively and consistently. 

Since the conclusion of the review, the government has been assessing those recommendations alongside wider housing and building safety reforms within the sector. The instigation of due process marks a major milestone in the implementation of the findings, heralding substantive and welcome reform of the HHSRS and associated guidance. 

The government is expected to introduce the new HHSRS regulations to Parliament in the coming months, which will be followed by a period of parliamentary scrutiny. Once due process is satisfactorily completed, there will be a phased lead-in period, with full implementation of the updated HHSRS expected several months later. This will give local authorities, landlords, housing professionals and other stakeholders the necessary time to adapt to the revised framework, update internal procedures and ensure compliance.

' We’re reliably informed that important updates on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS2) are on their way. With so much focus across the sector on other critical reforms, from Awaab’s Law to the Decent Homes Standard and Building Safety legislation, it’s easy to forget just how pivotal the HHSRS review is to the way we assess and improve housing conditions. This next phase represents a major step forward for local authorities, landlords and housing professionals alike.' Alan Davies Director of Housing - RHE Global

RHE Global will publish a detailed client briefing as soon as the official timeline and draft regulations are made available. We encourage our partners to remain aware of the forthcoming HHSRS changes and to begin considering how existing compliance processes and assessment tools may evolve under the updated framework. While no immediate action is required, it is expected that the reforms will have a substantial and measurable impact on how housing conditions are assessed. We will be available to support all housing professionals throughout this process with advice, guidance and a suite of updated training courses, RIAMS procedures and resources. The Housing App will also be updated to reflect the new scoring system from the updated guidance.

This marks a significant step forward for housing standards, updating a system which is now 20 years old, to reflect modern housing challenges. The new criteria will align with health, safety, energy and building safety concerns, and reaffirm the role of the HHSRS as the primary means of enforcement against poor housing conditions. RHE Global is proud to have been at the forefront of the review process, and we look forward to supporting all sectors throughout its implementation.