Preventing hazards in the home

Find out about the hazards you or your landlord should prevent within the home.

The council has a role in enforcing legal requirements. If you are concerned about any of the hazards listed below, you can contact the Private Sector Housing Team, or the Housing Repairs Team if you are a council tenant, on 01455 238141. For further information, please read the section on enforcement below.

Enforcement

If asked or required to do an assessment within private or social (non-council-owned) accommodation, the council will establish the risk to health and safety from hazards in your home. We manage this through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is the method set out by the government to determine the seriousness of hazards based on how likely they are to occur and the likely impact on health based on a potential occupier's or visitor's age. 

If we visit your property to do an inspection, we will provide instructions on the actions required to suitably remove or reduce unacceptable hazards. Where appropriate, failure to address serious health and safety concerns when raised, may result in fines or prosecution. This is in accordance with our enforcement policy