COMMON QUESTIONS
General Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about our property assessment services. If you need more support, feel free to contact us directly.
01.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in the UK and offer inspections and assessments across a wide regional area. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just give us a call or send us a message.
02.
Who are your services for?
We work with private landlords, letting agents, property managers, and housing associations, holiday let operators and small business owners, supporting them with compliance and safety requirements.
03.
Do I need to prepare anything for inspection?
We just ask that you ensure clear access to all parts of the property. We’ll guide you through anything else we may need ahead of time.
04.
I own a small business and I lease my premises.
Who is responsible for securing a
suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment?
The business owner is responsible for securing a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment, not the landlord or freeholder. The landlord or freeholder is only responsible for securing a fire risk assessment for any communal areas in the building.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Fire Risk Assessments
Find quick answers to common questions about our property assessment services. If you need more support, feel free to contact us directly.
01.
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a legal requirement in many rented and shared properties. It ensures you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect tenants and comply with safety regulations.
02.
Who needs a fire risk assessment?
Any business premises, blocks of flats, communal areas in residential buildings, and certain public spaces must have one. Even small businesses and charities must comply.
03.
Is a fire risk assessment a legal requirement?
Yes. In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires a “responsible person” to carry out (or arrange) a fire risk assessment and keep it up to date.
04.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?
It should be reviewed regularly — at least once a year, or sooner if there are significant changes to the building, its layout, use, or occupancy.
05.
Who can carry out a fire risk assessment?
The law allows the responsible person to do it themselves if they have the right knowledge and training, but many choose a competent professional to ensure thoroughness and compliance.
07.
What does a fire risk assessment cover?
08.
How long does a fire risk assessment take?
09.
What happens if I don’t have a fire risk assessment?
You could face fines, enforcement notices, or even imprisonment if non-compliance leads to serious risk. More importantly, it could endanger lives.
10.
How much does a fire risk assessment cost?
Costs vary depending on building size, type, and complexity. Investing in one is always cheaper than the potential cost of a fire or legal penalties.
11.
What should I do after my fire risk assessment?
You must act on the recommendations — whether that’s installing new equipment, improving escape routes, updating signage, or training staff.
12.
How can I prepare for a fire risk assessment?
Have building plans ready, ensure all areas are accessible, and gather any existing fire safety records (e.g., alarm tests, equipment maintenance logs).
COMMON QUESTIONS
HHSRS Inspections
Find quick answers to common questions about our property assessment services. If you need more support, feel free to contact us directly.
01.
What is an HHSRS assessment?
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a method used by local authorities to assess housing conditions. It identifies and rates potential hazards to the health and safety of tenants.
02.
Why would I need an HHSRS assessment?
If a tenant has raised concerns, or if the council carries out an inspection, they may use the HHSRS to judge whether your property is safe. Landlords often commission a private assessment to check compliance and prevent enforcement action.
03.
What hazards does the HHSRS cover?
It looks at 29 categories of potential hazards, including damp and mould, fire safety, excess cold or heat, structural safety, electrical hazards, and security.
04.
Is an HHSRS assessment a legal requirement?
There’s no blanket requirement for a landlord to commission one privately — but all landlords must ensure their property is free from Category 1 hazards. Local councils can carry out an HHSRS inspection and take enforcement action if hazards are found.
05.
What is a Privately Rented Accommodation Compliance Report?
It’s a report that assesses whether a rental property meets current housing standards, fire safety requirements, and other relevant regulations — often including an HHSRS check. It’s a proactive way for landlords to demonstrate compliance.
06.
How does an HHSRS assessment work?
A qualified assessor will inspect the property, identify hazards, score them according to the HHSRS system, and recommend actions to reduce risks.
07.
How long does the assessment take?
For a typical house or flat, it usually takes 1–2 hours on site, plus time to prepare the written report.
08.
Who can carry out an HHSRS assessment?
Only someone with suitable training and knowledge of the HHSRS and housing law should conduct the inspection — usually a qualified housing or environmental health professional.
09.
What happens if hazards are found?
The report will outline the severity (Category 1 or 2) and recommend remedial action. If a local authority inspection also finds hazards, they can serve notices, notices or carry out emergency remedial work at the landlord’s expense. With the introduction of the Renters Rights Bill, local authorities will have additional powers to issue Civil Penalty Notices of up to £7,000 per Category 1 hazard identified.
10.
How often should I have my rental property checked?
There’s no set frequency, but a review is recommended when tenants change, after major works, or if issues are reported. Many landlords do annual compliance checks.
11.
Can an HHSRS assessment help me avoid enforcement action?
Yes. A private assessment can highlight problems before the council gets involved, giving you time to fix them and avoid fines or legal action.
12.
How much does an HHSRS or compliance assessment cost?
Costs vary depending on property size, location, and complexity. The cost is small compared to potential enforcement penalties or repair costs after a hazard is found.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Booking & Pricing
Find quick answers to common questions about our property assessment services. If you need more support, feel free to contact us directly.
01.
How much do your services cost?
Our pricing is based on the type, size, and condition of the property. Please get in touch for a tailored quote—we’re happy to chat through your needs.
02.
How do I book an assessment?
You can contact us by phone or through our online form. We’ll confirm availability and arrange a convenient time.
03.
Can I book more than one service at once?
Yes, we often complete multiple assessments during the same visit—for example, a fire risk assessment and HHSRS inspection. Let us know what you need and we’ll tailor the visit to suit.
