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Glossary

Prohibition order

Plain-English definition

A council enforcement tool under the Housing Act 2004, served on a landlord when a Category 1 hazard makes a property unsafe to use. A full prohibition order stops anyone living in the property; a partial order closes specific parts (such as a room). The tenant's tenancy does not automatically end, and the landlord must rehouse them or meet alternative accommodation costs.

Where it comes from in law

  • Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS, The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is the government's 29-hazard framework for scoring risk in homes. Councils use it to decide whether to force landlords to act.

Related terms

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.

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