Hazards in our casework
This Housing Ombudsman Service's information details how casework often shows health and safety problems in social housing. These problems – called hazards – can harm residents' health if not fixed quickly.
The government lists 29 types of hazards in its Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) (opens new window).
Common hazards include:
- damp and mould
- excess cold
- structural problems
- pest infestations
- fire risks
The government is bringing in Awaab’s Law to better protect people living in social housing. The law starts in October 2025. Landlords will be required to fix damp and mould issues within set time frames. From 2026, the law will cover more types of hazards.
Click the link below to learn what they learned from their casework on hazards, offering help to landlords to improve their services and support better outcomes for residents.