Minimum property standards

Under the housing health and safety rating system (HHSRS), a dwelling should provide a safe and healthy living environment for both the occupants and any visitors.

The HHSRS involves an evidence based risk assessment process, which will form the basis of any inspection of a property prior to joining the Let’s Rent schemes.

The property should comply with the four main decent homes criteria:

The property meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing (free from HHSRS category one hazards).

  • The property is in a reasonable state of repair.
  • The property has reasonably modern facilities and services.
  • The property provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.

To comply with the other Let’s Rent property standard requirements

  • To provide an electrical installation condition report for the complete electrical installation within the property. Any code 1 and code 2 faults identified are to be rectified as a minimum requirement.
  • To complete portable appliance testing (PAT) and certification for any electrical appliances left for use by the tenant.
  • To provide a landlord’s gas safety record certificate for the gas installation.
  • To provide an energy performance certificate (EPC) with a minimum ‘E’ rating.
  • To complete a fire risk assessment for any communal stairwell.
  • To install mains operated (with battery back up) ceiling mounted smoke detectors to each floor.
  • To ensure the heating and hot water systems are fully operational and working correctly.
  • To clean the property throughout to include the kitchen units and fittings, bathroom suite and sanitary ware and floorcoverings.
  • To ensure the decoration is to a good standard.
  • To ensure all floorcoverings are to a good standard.
  • To ensure window casement handles in working order.
  • To ensure any built in appliances left are fully operational and working correctly.
  • To complete other remedial work as recommended by us, the Council.
  • The property to be unfurnished, however floor coverings and curtains/blinds are to be provided throughout the property.

View the government’s housing health and safety rating guidance