New HHSRS Inspection Template Helps UK Landlords Prepare for Renters’ Rights Act

Summary: A new inspection template aligned with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has been launched by Inventory Base to help landlords and agents meet upcoming legal standards under the Renters’ Rights Act, commencing May 2026. This tool supports consistent hazard identification and risk management in rented properties, reflecting the statutory framework used by local authorities.

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SEO Meta Description: UK landlords can now use the HHSRS inspection template to comply with the Renters’ Rights Act and improve property safety management.

Introduction to the HHSRS Inspection Template

Inventory Base, a property management software provider, has introduced an inspection template designed to comply with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This development comes as the Renters’ Rights Act, which adopts the HHSRS to define statutory hazards in rented homes, approaches its implementation date in May 2026.

The new template is structured around the statutory hazard framework, mirroring the risk assessment model used by local authorities during enforcement inspections. This alignment aims to raise inspection standards among landlords and letting agents, ensuring that potential hazards are identified and addressed proactively.

Understanding the HHSRS Risk Model

Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, emphasises the importance of using the HHSRS framework for inspections. She explains, “HHSRS is the framework councils use to decide whether a home is genuinely safe. If landlords and agents aren’t inspecting against that same risk model, serious hazards can be missed – and that puts tenant health at risk long before enforcement ever enters the picture.”

With the Renters’ Rights Act set to commence in May 2026, Hemming-Metcalfe warns that scrutiny of property conditions will increase. She adds, “Structured HHSRS assessments will become a core part of responsible portfolio management – not only identifying risks but managing them proactively across the full property lifecycle.”

Category 1 Hazards and Legal Obligations

The HHSRS, introduced under the Housing Act 2004, remains the legal standard for assessing residential safety in England. Identification of a Category 1 hazard under this system requires local councils to take enforcement action.

According to the English Housing Survey 2022–23, approximately 9% of homes in England contain at least one Category 1 hazard, equating to around 2.1 million properties. This highlights the scale of potential risks within the private rented sector.

Features of the New Inspection Template

The Inventory Base template incorporates all 29 statutory hazard categories into its inspection workflows, allowing landlords and agents to score hazards according to official guidance. The system classifies risks into Category 1 or Category 2 bands and produces standardised inspection reports to support record keeping and compliance.

This template is available now on Inventory Base’s platform and can be utilised for various inspection types, including check-ins, mid-term visits, and compliance reviews. By adopting this tool, landlords can better align their property management practices with statutory requirements and prepare for the increased regulatory scrutiny expected under the Renters’ Rights Act.

What This Means for UK Landlords and Agents

For landlords and letting agents, the launch of this HHSRS-compliant inspection template offers a practical means to improve hazard identification and risk management in rented properties. Using a standardised approach aligned with local authority enforcement models can help reduce the risk of missed hazards and potential enforcement action.

As the Renters’ Rights Act introduces more rigorous standards from May 2026, adopting such tools will be essential for maintaining compliance and safeguarding tenant health. Proactive management of hazards throughout the tenancy lifecycle will also support landlords in fulfilling their legal duties and avoiding costly penalties.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Renters’ Rights Act
• Category 1 hazards
• statutory hazard framework
• property management software
• local authority enforcement
• tenant health and safety
• compliance reviews
• private rented sector safety
• English Housing Survey 2022–23

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/