The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has reported back on the results of its scoping review into the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS).
The safety standards system for the private rental sector has not been updated since 2006 and industry consensus is that this is long overdue.
The Government has chosen option 2, which involves reviewing and updating the operating and enforcement guidance, as well as worked examples. New standards will also be developed and existing standards extended and incorporated into HHSRS.
MHCLG said option 2 would make HHSRS easier to understand for landlords and tenants and correct the 'disconnect' between it and other legislative standards. It felt this option would also assist enforcement by local authorities and was cost-effective.
Tamara Sandoul, housing policy spokesperson at CIEH, said: “We strongly welcome the Government’s commitment to update HHSRS and its associated guidance.
"Focus on this vital assessment of housing conditions has been long overdue and the commitment to develop further standards for housing is also welcome. We look forward to working closely with the Government to ensure that the voice of housing professionals is a key part of this major update.”
• CIEH has launched a campaign calling for a new national landlord registration scheme in a drive to improve poor housing conditions in the private rented sector.
