Local authority enforcement powers
Property standards
Introduction
If a local authority is satisfied that they need take action due to a breach of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), they have a number of different options at their disposal, including compelling the landlord to improve the property via an improvement notice or doing the work themselves where emergency remedial action is required. The options available will vary depending on the severity of the hazards.
This guidance is designed to provide a short summary of the options available, what they mean and when they may be used.
What enforcement powers can be used?
Local authorities have a number of enforcement tools available to them if they believe the property is hazardous.
- Hazard awareness notices
- Improvement notices
- Prohibition orders
- Emergency remedial action
- Demolition orders
