Housing Health & Safety Rating System

[GB]

I am reviewing the HHSRS system with a view of responding to a local authority assessment of hazards relating to fire.

The enforcing authority have deemed inner room conditions within existing domestic apartment accommodation (non HMO) category 1 hazards and insisting that the landlord / property manager installs either a secondary means of escape, inner hall or the more likely due to physical restrictions, a suppression system within each property.

I have reviewed the operating guidance Annex D and find statistical information but little benchmark standards to compare the accommodation with. The only reference is to current building standards which seems excessive in existing accommodation.

Whilst there is a recognition for the need to improve current housing stock, to existing standards for items relating to fire may be beyond the will or capability of some landlords in the current financial climate.

Does anyone have experience of EA enforcing where inner rooms are present in existing housing stock?
Is anyone aware of additional guidance used in the assessment under the HHSRS?

[nearlythere]

There has been a building control determination, which has been posted in the past, where the control measures to compensate for an inner bedroom condition, which from memory included water mist, was rejected by the SoS.
Maybe someone else might be able to point you to it.

[GB]

I recall CLG determination 08/08 (I think) where inner room was assessed with suppression which was rejected but this was for work being done under current building regulations.

Is this the same one?

HHSRS is looking at existing buildings some over 100 years old which I would have thought would have been viewed with some differences due to the prevailing conditions. I would be really keen to see any determinations having been done under this legislation.

[seth119]

Hi, If it is not a HMO  and private dwelling how can they inforce it?. Building control can only enforce alterations of less than seven years but they would be highly unlikely to Prosecute a case after three years!!

[GB]

Seth
You would have thought so - just off phone to Enviromental Dept of a council who state that they have authority to inspect all rented properties and assess hazards including fire - any class 1 hazards under the HHSRS system are enforceable irrespective if HMO or single occupied private let and irrespective of property age. Anything built after 1991 however are deemed to comply.
The council dept I have spoken with have stated they will push LD2 detection, FD30(s) from rooms of high risk and Fire Blankets and CO2 extinguisher in kitchen.
Also when pushed EA state LACORS guidance as minimum standard in their area.

[wee brian]

The HHSRS can be applied to all housing.

Cat 1 for an inner room is a bit mad. I'd bung some smoke alarms in and leave it at that.