On-Site Inspection
We carry out a comprehensive inspection of your property, assessing conditions against the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and looking for any potential risks to occupants.
Stay Compliant with Expert HHSRS Assessments
Professional Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessments for landlords, business owners, holiday let operators, and property managers – carried out by a qualified specialist with over 20 years' housing enforcement experience.
Why HHSRS Assessments Matter
Your First Step to a Safe, Compliant Property
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the legal framework used by local authorities to identify and address health and safety risks in residential properties.
If your property is found to have serious hazards — known as Category 1 hazards — the council can take enforcement action, which could mean improvement notices, fines, or even prosecution. Category 2 hazards can also lead to action, especially under local enforcement policies.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, enforcement is becoming stricter, with councils given greater powers and tenants feeling more confident to report poor conditions.
Our HHSRS assessments identify hazards before they become a problem, giving you time to put things right and protect your investment.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 — Why Act Now
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, local authorities now have:
- – Greater powers to issue civil penalty notices for Category 1 hazards (and some Category 2 hazards).
- – A National Landlord Register and Property Portal to help track and flag non-compliance.
- – Stronger tenant protections, making complaints more likely to be reported.
Acting now means you'll be prepared before enforcement ramps up — avoiding costly penalties and safeguarding your reputation.
Updated for 2026
What Changed on 23 June 2026
The revised Housing Health and Safety Rating System came into force on 23 June 2026 — the biggest update since the system was introduced. Our team has completed the HHSRS 2026 transition training with RHE Global, so our assessment approach reflects the updated framework.
Simpler risk ratings
The old A–J hazard bands have been replaced with three straightforward categories: High, Medium and Low risk. The terminology has changed, but the underlying safety threshold remains largely the same — a hazard score of 1,000 or above still triggers the highest level of intervention.
21 hazards, not 29
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 — all aimed at improving consistency between assessors.
New baseline indicators
Practical benchmarks that help you judge whether a property is likely to meet minimum standards before a formal inspection. Examples include expectations around damp and mould, ventilation, heating provision and fall prevention measures.
More emphasis on fire safety
The scope of fire-related hazards has 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 keep your fire risk assessment current.
The safety standards themselves have not fundamentally changed, but enforcement powers are becoming more robust. Keeping accurate inspection records, responding promptly to repairs and holding evidence of maintenance will be essential in demonstrating compliance.
Stay Ahead of Compliance Changes
The Home Office has announced plans to introduce mandatory competence requirements for Fire Risk Assessors — making UKAS-accredited assessments the new legal standard and enhancing enforcement powers. Coupled with stricter HHSRS enforcement under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, these changes mean landlords and duty holders must be ready. Act now to avoid penalties and stay compliant.
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What's Included
Helping you meet your legal duties and protect your property
Our HHSRS Assessment process includes:
Hazard Identification
We identify both Category 1 and Category 2 hazards – from damp and mould to electrical safety and structural issues – highlighting anything that could affect health or safety.
Safety & Compliance Review
We check the property against HHSRS standards, ensuring it meets the legal requirements under the Housing Act 2004 and local authority enforcement policies.
Evidence & Documentation
We record photographic evidence and detailed notes for each hazard or area of concern, so you have a clear record for legal, insurance, or remedial purposes.
Clear, Prioritised Report
You'll receive a detailed, easy-to-follow report outlining hazards, their severity, and practical steps to resolve them, prioritised to help you act efficiently.
Ongoing Support
We remain available to answer questions, provide further advice, and offer follow-up inspections to confirm that remedial work has resolved any issues and compliance is maintained.
Our Packages
Clear, Fair, and Fully Explained
We offer competitive, fixed-fee pricing based on property type and assessment needs — no hidden costs or confusing terms.
Fire Risk Assessment
Accredited fire risk assessments for landlords, small businesses, holiday lets, and mixed-use premises.
What's included?
- Full on-site inspection of the property
- Identification of potential fire hazards
- Review of fire escape routes, alarms, and equipment
- Check of fire doors, signage, and extinguishers
- Risk rating and compliance check
- Written report with recommended actions
HHSRS Assessment
Full Housing Health and Safety Rating System assessments to help you meet legal obligations.
What's included?
- Comprehensive on-site property inspection
- Identification of Category 1 and Category 2 hazards
- Photographic documentation of findings
- Practical guidance for compliance with the Housing Act 2004
- Clear, prioritised report tailored to your property type
- Follow-up advice to support remedial works
Combined Package
A cost-effective way to ensure full property safety compliance with both fire safety and housing health standards in one visit.
What's included?
- Full Fire Risk Assessment (as above)
- Full HHSRS Assessment (as above)
- Combined, prioritised action plan covering all safety requirements
- Reduced disruption with a single on-site visit
- Expert support to address both fire safety and housing hazards together
Consultancy
Tailored consultancy services for landlords, property managers, small business owners, and holiday let operators.
What's included?
- Licensing guidance for HMOs and other regulated properties
- Pre-purchase or pre-let compliance checks
- Fire safety and amenity standard advice
- Support with improvement notices and enforcement action
- Liaison with local authorities and fire officers on your behalf
Our Process
Straightforward from Start to Finish
We keep things simple so you can stay focused on your property, with advice that's easy to follow.
STEP 1
Chat With us
We start with an informal conversation to understand your property, your needs, and any specific compliance concerns you have.
STEP 2
Book Assessment
We visit your property to carry out a thorough fire risk assessment or Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment.
STEP 3
Clear Report
You'll receive a straightforward, prioritised report with practical recommendations – plus expert advice and support to help you.
Adam Hayes
“Would highly recommend PALS, their service was excellent and prompt, their communication with us and our tenants was great and the reports were clear and concise. They are one of a few with the latest qualifications which are now required and their expertise is evident from start to finish.”
Jodi Webb
“Highly recommend this company for fire safety risk assessments, HHSRS Assessments and training. They are highly qualified and experienced and provide accurate assessments and very useful guidance on the compliance minefields in holiday letting and residential lettings.”
Townsend Property
“PALS offer a great service to landlords and letting agents, with fire risk assessments and HHSRS assessments carried out by qualified professionals. We wholeheartedly recommend them.”
Creek & Country
“We are so glad we found PALS to carry out fire safety risk assessments. They are very knowledgeable and thorough. Thanks for all your help!”
Happy Clients
Proven. Reliable. Recommended.
We're proud to support landlords, letting agents, property managers, and small business owners with reliable, compliance-focused assessments. Here's what our clients say about working with us — every quote below is a real Google review.
- Free Consultations
- 100% Certified & Trusted
- Reports Within a Few Working Days
Read all our five-star reviews on Google →
- Mandy Evans — NFRAR Registered Assessor No. 1776
View certificate - Tracy Tully — NFRAR Registered Assessor No. 1779
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Contact UsCommon Questions
Frequently asked questions answered
We understand that property compliance can feel overwhelming, so we've answered some common questions to help make things clearer.
If you rent out a small commercial property, holiday let, or HMO, you are legally required to have a fire risk assessment in place. This helps ensure your property is safe and meets legal fire safety standards.
HHSRS stands for the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. It's a government framework used to assess potential health and safety risks in rental properties. Landlords are required to ensure their properties meet these standards to avoid enforcement action.
Costs vary depending on the type, size and layout of your property. We'll provide a personalised quote after discussing your needs — no obligation, no hidden fees.
On-site assessments typically take 1 to 2 hours. Once completed, we aim to deliver your report within a few working days, depending on the type of service.
We offer in-person services across Devon and Cornwall, with digital consultations available for some services if you're based further afield.
Absolutely. With over 20 years of combined experience in housing compliance — including working within local authority teams — we know what enforcement officers are looking for. We'll help you feel confident and prepared.