Course of the month: Housing Health and Safety Rating System
Our new, fully updated HHSRS course has been launched, reflecting all the latest changes introduced under the Renters' Rights Act earlier this year.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is used by local authorities to assess potential health and safety risks in homes in England and Wales and was updated in England as part of the Act to make the rules easier to understand and enforce.
While it did not introduce any new standards per se, the way the system works has changed, as has the maximum amount you may have to pay for failing to meet your obligations. And with new £7,000 on the spot fines for each Category One hazard identified in your rental homes, it is vitally important you are fully up to speed on all your responsibilities.
This is where our updated HHSRS eClassroom course can help.
What is covered?
This course provides a practical introduction to HHSRS, explaining how local authorities assess hazards in residential properties and what landlords can do to identify and reduce risks before enforcement action is taken.
The four most common hazards identified in private rented sector properties include: falls, excess cold, damp and mould and fire, with the course giving a full outline of your obligations, and the legislation behind them, using real-life examples and case studies to explain how assessors score issues within a property.
It will also explain the difference between Category One and Category Two hazards, as well as the powers local authorities have to enforce the HHSRS, the penalties you can face, and how to appeal a decision.
How does it work?
Our eClassroom courses are taught virtually in real time via Zoom, meaning you can log in from a place convenient for you, but are still able to interact with the trainer and your fellow delegates.
The next available dates are:
- Thursday 24th September – 10am – 1pm.
- Friday 23rd October – 10am – 1pm.
- Monday 16th November – 10am – 1pm.
The course, which will earn you two CPD points, costs £65 for members and £78 for non-members. For more information and to book click here.
More information
- You can read more about HHSRS and your responsibilities in our members’ guide here.
- The NRLA also runs a property standards and safety course. To find out more click here.
- For a full list of all the courses on offer from our award winning training academy click here.
