Understanding Housing Health and Safety Ratings in Wales

As a renter in Wales, it's important to know how your home is kept safe and healthy according to national standards. Whether you’re concerned about mould, damp, cold, or other hazards, understanding how your property’s safety is judged can help you stand up for your rights. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a key part of this process, and it sets the standards that your landlord must meet to keep your home fit to live in across Wales.

What is the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)?

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System, often called HHSRS, is a risk assessment tool used by local councils in Wales to identify and deal with potential hazards in residential properties. Its purpose is to ensure all homes are safe and healthy places to live. Landlords are legally required to keep properties free from serious hazards.

  • The HHSRS looks for 29 different types of hazards, including damp, mould, excess cold, fire risks, electrical faults, and others.
  • If an inspector finds that your home contains hazards causing health or safety risks, the council can order your landlord to fix them.
  • This assessment applies for all rented homes, including those under a standard occupation contract in Wales.

You can learn more about the HHSRS on the official UK Government guidance for landlords and tenants.

How Are Housing Health and Safety Ratings Assessed in Wales?

If you report a potential hazard, your local council's environmental health team can inspect your home. During the inspection, the officer will assess any risks under the HHSRS, looking specifically at hazards that could harm your health or safety.

  • Hazards are rated as Category 1 (serious) or Category 2 (less serious).
  • If a Category 1 hazard is found, the council must take action.
  • The council can serve legal notices that require your landlord to address the problem.

This process helps protect tenants from unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.

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Action Steps If You Find a Hazard or Major Disrepair

If you notice a serious hazard, follow these steps:

  • Report the problem in writing to your landlord. Describe the issue clearly and keep a copy of your message for your records.
  • If your landlord does not respond or fix the problem, contact your local council's environmental health department. Find your local council through the UK Government council finder.
  • The council may arrange an inspection to assess whether there are hazards under the HHSRS.
  • If hazards are identified, the council can serve formal notices to your landlord. Examples include an improvement notice or a prohibition order.

For more about what steps to take, visit the Welsh Government housing repairs guidance.

Key Forms and Notices Used

Local councils can issue several types of notices if hazards are found. Here are the main ones:

  • Improvement Notice (under Part 1, Housing Act 2004)
    When used: Council issues this to require your landlord to fix specific hazards. For example, if there is serious damp or mould and your landlord won't fix it, the council can serve this notice.
    Where to learn more: See the Housing Act 2004, Part 1 – official legislation on HHSRS notices.
  • Prohibition Order (Housing Act 2004)
    When used: If the council decides the hazard can't be fixed or is too dangerous, they can restrict people from living in all or part of the property.
    Where to learn more: See Housing Act 2004, Part 1, Chapter 2.

If You Disagree with a Council Decision

If your landlord or you disagree with a notice, you can appeal to the official tribunal for housing cases in Wales, known as the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Appeals must usually be made within 21 days of receiving the notice. The tribunal is independent and free for tenants to use.

If you’re not sure how to raise concerns, your local council’s housing team or Shelter Cymru can offer direct support and guidance.

Relevant Legislation Governing Housing Standards in Wales

Most rules about housing hazards and standards in Wales are set out in the Housing Act 2004. In addition, the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and the new Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 (in force from December 2022) set out landlords’ duties for repairs and keeping homes safe for renters.

For more resources, the Welsh Government provides updated guidance on repairs in social and private housing.

Frequently Asked Questions – Housing Health and Safety Ratings

  1. What should I do if I think my home is unsafe in Wales?
    First, write to your landlord explaining the issue. If nothing changes, contact your local council’s environmental health team, who can inspect and may order repairs using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
  2. Can my landlord evict me if I ask the council for an inspection?
    Landlords are not allowed to evict tenants just for complaining about housing conditions or contacting the council. This is called retaliatory eviction, and the law in Wales offers protections for renters.
  3. What happens after the council finds a Category 1 hazard?
    The council must act, usually by issuing a notice requiring your landlord to fix the problem. If the landlord doesn’t act, they can face legal penalties and enforcement action.
  4. How long does my landlord have to fix hazards noticed by the council?
    The deadline depends on the type of notice issued, but it's usually set by the council’s formal improvement notice. Deadlines are explained in the notice you and your landlord receive.
  5. Is there any cost to tenants for council inspections or tribunal appeals?
    No, there is no charge to renters for asking the council for an HHSRS inspection or to appeal to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales.

Conclusion – Key Points for Welsh Renters

  • The Housing Health and Safety Rating System helps make sure your home is safe and healthy.
  • If you spot hazards, report them to your landlord, and if needed, to the local council.
  • There are official ways to challenge poor conditions and appeal council decisions—all at no cost to renters.

Staying informed about your rights ensures you can take action if your property doesn't meet safe housing standards in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Wales


  1. Housing Act 2004 – Part 1: HHSRS framework and enforcement
  2. Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – Welsh-specific landlord duties
  3. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 – new occupation contract rules
  4. Residential Property Tribunal Wales – Appeals and disputes
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights UK

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.