Below are a couple of useful forms when producing a fire risk assessment normally on an HMO property. There is a sample completed form taken from Hammersmith and Fulham local authority and a blank risk assessment form which is the same as that used in the LACORS fire safety guidance. Example risk assessment form Blank risk assessment...

Hi, We have been served with an Informal Improvement Notice which is quite extensive. The work should be carried out in a space of 3 months however extensions can be granted if the Council see fit. It is unlikely that all the work can be carried out in the timescales so wondered how far the council can go with these notices? They have pointed out both catergory 1 and 2 hazards and we have started work on the category 1 this weekend. There is...

We are pleased to announce two webinars for our members on 29 and 30 November 2010. Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS): Local Authority Procedure A free webinar of interest to both landlords and letting agents discussing local authority procedure in relation to an inspection for HHSRS. Covered in the seminar will be: Procedure before an inspection is carried out Local authority considerations during any inspection Service of...

One of the most important elements of an inspection for HHSRS purposes is section 239(5) Housing Act 2004. This requires at least 24 hours notice of the intention to inspect to be first given to owners and occupiers where that inspection is in relation to assessing the property for the housing health and safety rating system [s.239(2)]. Before entering any premises in exercise of the power conferred by subsection (3), the authorised person or...

If a local authority find a category 1 hazard (the more serious hazard) in a property, they must take some form of action. If they find a category 2 hazard, they may take action. The available courses of action are as follows: Category 1 Hazards Serve an Improvement notice under section 11 Housing Act 2004 Issue a prohibition order under section 20 Housing Act 2004 Serve a hazard awareness notice under section 28 Housing Act 2004 Commence...

Introduction Due to the hugely complicated method of which a hazard is scored for the purposes of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, we have produced this separate guidance. You may need to read two or three times before fully understanding it! This guidance uses one example and that is of an average 1930’s 3 bedroomed semi-detached house with a handrail missing from the stairs. Other types of properties have different numbers...