· Property Assessments for Landlords Services Ltd (PALS)
The revised Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) came into force on 23 June 2026, and ahead of the change we completed transition training delivered by RHE Global.
The changes represent the biggest update to the HHSRS since its introduction and are intended to make the system easier to understand, more consistent to apply and more transparent for landlords.
A simpler scoring system
One of the most noticeable changes is the simplification of the scoring system. The previous A–J hazard bands have been replaced with three straightforward categories: High, Medium and Low risk. While the terminology has changed, the underlying safety threshold remains largely the same. A hazard score of 1,000 or above will still trigger the highest level of intervention.
Fewer, broader hazard categories
The number of hazards has also been reduced from 29 to 21. Several overlapping hazards have been combined into broader categories, including the merging of fire and explosion risks and the grouping of various indoor air pollutants into a single hazard category. The aim is to improve consistency between assessors and make the system easier to navigate.
New baseline indicators
A significant addition is the introduction of baseline indicators. These provide practical benchmarks that can help landlords and property managers assess whether a property is likely to meet minimum standards before a formal inspection takes place. Examples include expectations around damp and mould, ventilation, heating provision and fall prevention measures.
A stronger focus on fire safety
Fire safety also receives greater emphasis within the revised system. The scope of fire-related hazards has been widened to include associated risks such as smoke and fumes, explosions and structural collapse resulting from fire. This may lead to closer collaboration between housing authorities and Fire and Rescue Services when assessing higher-risk properties — and it is one more reason to make sure your fire risk assessment is up to date.
What this means for landlords
For landlords, the message is clear: proactive management has never been more important. Although the safety standards themselves have not fundamentally changed, enforcement powers are becoming more robust. Maintaining accurate inspection records, responding promptly to repairs and keeping evidence of maintenance activities will be essential in demonstrating compliance.
From our experience during the transition training, one of the most useful aspects of the revised HHSRS is the increased clarity it provides. The new framework should help both assessors and landlords focus on the practical steps needed to identify and reduce risks, ultimately supporting the delivery of safer homes for occupants.
As local authorities begin implementing the revised system, now is a good time for landlords and housing professionals to familiarise themselves with the new hazard categories, baseline indicators and enforcement expectations. An independent HHSRS assessment is a practical way to see exactly where a property stands under the new framework.
Further reading
The Draft Statutory HHSRS Operating and Enforcement Guidance (2026) provides a detailed overview of the changes, including the revised hazard profiles, new banding system and enforcement expectations.
As the emphasis increasingly shifts towards proactive property management, landlords may find it beneficial to adopt a structured inspection process.