Protecting Tenants, Landlords, and Investment Properties Across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli, and Carmarthen
As a Residential Surveyor based here in Swansea and RICS/RPSA accredited, we provide detailed and robust Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) Assessments for rental properties across South Wales.
This specialist service is essential for landlords, property management companies, and local authorities who need to comply with the Housing Act 2004 and meet their obligations under the Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) framework.
What is the HHSRS, and Why Do You Need an Assessment?
The HHSRS is a risk-based assessment tool used to evaluate potential hazards in residential properties. Unlike a standard survey, it does not set minimum standards, but rather calculates the risk to an actual or potential occupier’s health and safety from deficiencies in the dwelling.
The system evaluates properties against 29 defined hazards, ranging from damp and mould growth and excess cold to electrical hazards and fire safety.
Who Needs an HHSRS Assessment?
- Landlords and Property Managers: To proactively assess your rental portfolio, demonstrate due diligence, and meet the Fitness for Human Habitation (FFHH) standard required in Wales. This can prevent costly enforcement action or tenant litigation.
- Local Authorities: For internal case reviews, or for professional advice before serving an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Order.
- Tenants and Solicitors: To provide professional, independent evidence of Category 1 or Category 2 hazards in a property during a dispute or legal claim.
The Benefit of Using an Accredited Surveyor
While a Local Authority Housing Officer conducts HHSRS assessments for enforcement, instructing an experienced, independent RICS/RPSA Accredited Surveyor provides several key advantages:
- Expert Insight: Our background as residential surveyors means we don’t just identify the hazard; we understand the root cause, whether it’s structural, related to condensation, or due to defective services.
- Impartial and Professional: Our assessment provides an independent, unbiased, and legally defensible report that can be relied upon by all parties.
- Clear Recommendations: We provide a comprehensive report detailing the hazard score, its severity (Category 1 or 2), and pragmatic, cost-effective recommendations for remedial action to eliminate or reduce the risk.
What Our HHSRS Assessment Involves
A typical HHSRS Assessment involves a thorough, non-invasive inspection of the entire property, including internal and external areas. We systematically evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm from all 29 hazards.
Our inspection focuses on the four main risk categories:
| Category | Hazards Reviewed (Examples) |
| Physiological | Damp & Mould Growth, Excess Cold/Heat, Asbestos, Carbon Monoxide |
| Psychological | Noise, Lighting, Crowding and Space, Entry by Intruders |
| Protection Against Infection | Domestic Hygiene, Pests & Refuse, Water Supply, Sanitation |
| Accidents | Falls on Stairs/Steps, Falls on the Level, Fire, Electrical Hazards |
The final report will clearly state the calculated hazard score and provide the necessary evidence to help you decide on the next course of action, whether that is proactive maintenance or legal proceedings.
Ready to Ensure Your Property is Compliant?
Whether you are a landlord requiring proactive due diligence or a legal professional needing an expert report, we are here to help.
Contact your local RICS/RPSA Accredited Surveyor today to discuss your requirements and get a fee quotation for an HHSRS Assessment in Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli, or Carmarthen.
📞 Phone: 07436 211 891
📧 Email: mail@benwheeler.co.uk
Ensure your rental property is safe, compliant, and fit for habitation today!