The New HHSRS System
In 2006, under the Housing Act 2004, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was introduced. It became the benchmark for local authorities to assess and set standards in relation to housing condition for the private rented sector. 20 years later, the government has reset the parameters and published draft Operating Guidance along with Enforcement Guidance for HHSRS.
When Is the New HHSRS Being Introduced?
The draft Operating Guidance and Enforcement Guidance for the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) were laid before Parliament on 23 March 2026 and are expected to come into force later this month.
Regulations were laid before Parliament on 1 June 2026.
The revised HHSRS is due to come into force on 23 June 2026.
The new framework will apply only to inspections commenced on or after 23rd June 2026.
Existing inspections already underway before that date will continue under the previous HHSRS system.
Awaab's Law and Social Housing
The Government has announced the forthcoming implementation of Awaab's Law, which will take effect for the social housing sector from October 2025. Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed that:- “We intend to act as quickly as possible to bring all relevant hazards within the scope of new legal requirements, but to ensure its effective implementation we will implement Awaab’s Law through a phased approach.”
Michael Gove launches new consultation to deliver Awaab’s Law
DLUHC in the Media
There has been widespread coverage in the media about the consultation published by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, which sets out new plans to improve social housing standards and clamp down on rogue social landlords who fail to provide safe homes – supporting the Government’s pledge to deliver Awaab’s Law.
This includes new legal requirements for social landlords to investigate hazards within 14 days, start fixing within a further 7 days, and make emergency repairs within 24 hours. Those landlords who fail to comply can be taken to court where they may be ordered to pay compensation for tenants.
Several national outlets including BBC News, The Sun, The Independent, Daily Mirror, Sky News, and The Daily Telegraph all report that social landlords will be legally required to repair emergency hazards within 24 hours and must keep clear records of issues and their attempts to resolve these – with tenants also given increased legislative power to challenge housing conditions through the courts. Coverage also notes Awaab’s father, Faisal Abdullah, expressing support for the new proposals.