This is a good question – and there doesn’t seem to be a single list anywhere, although SAM Section 7 (sort of) touches on it. However, Googling ‘list of regular health and safety checks required for social housing in uk’ produced the following AI generated list:
“In the UK, social housing landlords (like councils or housing associations) have a legal duty to ensure properties are safe and free from health hazards. Regular checks are required for several areas, including fire safety, building safety, gas and electrical safety, water safety, asbestos, and lifts. These checks often involve assessing the condition of the property, its installations, and compliance with relevant regulations.
Here’s a more detailed look at the specific checks:
1. Fire Safety:
Landlords must ensure properties have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
They must comply with fire safety regulations, including those for furniture and furnishings.
Escape routes must be maintained and accessible at all times.
In large houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), fire alarms and extinguishers are required.
2. Building Safety:
Landlords are responsible for the exterior and structural elements of the property, including doors, roofs, walls, and windows.
They must ensure load-bearing elements are in good condition.
Means of access and amenity space must also be maintained.
3. Gas and Electrical Safety:
Gas installations and appliances must be safe and correctly installed, and maintained.
Landlords must comply with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Electrical installations and portable appliances provided by the landlord must be inspected regularly (e.g., electrical safety inspection every five years).
4. Water Safety:
Landlords must ensure there is a safe and adequate supply of water to the property.
They must also ensure the water systems are properly maintained and free from contamination.
5. Asbestos:
Landlords must assess for asbestos and ensure it is managed safely.
6. Lifts:
In buildings with lifts, landlords must ensure they are maintained, inspected, and comply with relevant safety standards.
7. Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS):
Landlords must assess and address serious hazards identified by the HHSRS.
The HHSRS helps identify and prioritize hazards, such as damp, mould, excess cold, and overcrowding.
The local council may carry out inspections to assess hazards and ensure compliance with the HHSRS.
8. Decent Homes Standard:
Landlords must ensure properties meet the Decent Homes Standard, which covers aspects like structural condition, heating, ventilation, sanitation, and water safety.
9. Other Responsibilities:
Landlords must ensure furniture and furnishings provided by them are fire safe and meet relevant regulations.
In houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), landlords must ensure the property is properly managed and licensed if necessary.
These checks and responsibilities are crucial for ensuring that social housing tenants have safe, healthy, and comfortable homes.”
Nick Stiven
clerk@stjohnswilton.org.uk