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<p>The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is kept under regular review.
We have been clear that lessons will be learned from the Grenfell fire, and any issues
for the HHSRS will be taken into account.</p><p>The HHSRS is a risk assessment process
which involves a local authority assessing 29 categories of potential housing hazards
in a dwelling, such as damp, excess cold and electrical faults. Where a property contains
potentially serious risks to the health and safety of the occupants, the local authority
must take appropriate action requiring the building owner to reduce or remove the
risk. This will frequently involve service of an Improvement Notice. Failure to comply
with an Improvement Notice is a criminal offence for which local authorities can impose
a financial penalty of up to £30,000 or prosecute in the courts which have the power
to impose an unlimited fine. In extreme circumstances, the local authority may decide
to make repairs themselves, or to prohibit the property from being rented out.</p>
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