Glossary
HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System)
The framework that defines 29 categories of housing hazard. Used by local authorities and by Awaab's Law to decide what counts as a serious hazard requiring rapid action.
Related terms
Category 1 hazard
Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), a hazard that poses a serious or immediate risk to health or safety, such as severe damp and mould, extreme cold, or exposed wiring. The council must take action against a Category 1 hazard.
Category 2 hazard
Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), a hazard that poses a lower but still significant risk, such as minor trip hazards or inadequate ventilation. The council has a power (but not a duty) to take action.
Environmental health officer (EHO)
A local council officer who can inspect private and social housing for hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). They have powers to serve improvement notices and emergency prohibition orders on landlords who ignore serious hazards.
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By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.