HHSRS Hazard 2 - Excess Cold

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If a tenant reports a property to the Council for a HHSRS Hazard 2 - Excess Cold issue, the Council is legally obligated to inspect the property for all 29 hazards outlined in the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

If the Council uncovers any Category 1 risks, it is obliged by law to take action against the landlord and any associated agents. This is not just a formality; it is a serious obligation that must be addressed.

Hazard 2 - Excess Cold

This hazard covers the threats to health from sub-optimal indoor temperatures.

The percentage rise in deaths in winter is greater in dwellings with low energy efficiency ratings. There is a gradient of risk with age of the property, the risk being greatest in dwellings built before 1850, and lowest in the more energy efficient dwellings built after 1980. Absence of central heating and dissatisfaction with the heating system also show some association with increased risk of excess winter death.

Vulnerable Group: All persons 65 years or over

Defects & Justifications

Thermal insulation - inadequate insulation of the external envelope of the dwelling, including the presence of cold bridges.
Dampness - in such a position, and sufficiently extensive and persistent as to reduce the effectiveness of the thermal insulating material and/or the structure.
Settling of insulation - compression of the thermal insulating material reducing its effectiveness.
Type of heating provision - inappropriate or inefficient systems and appliances.
Size of heating system - systems and appliances inadequate for the size of dwelling.
Installation and maintenance of heating system - inadequately installed or maintained systems.
Controls to heating system - inadequate or inappropriate controls to the system or appliance.
Amount of ventilation - inadequate, excessive, or inappropriate provision for thorough ventilation.
Ventilation controls - inadequate means of controlling the ventilation.
Disrepair to ventilation - to the system or controls.
Draughts - uncontrollable draughts and those situated to cause discomfort.

Index of HHSRS Hazards

Rectifying the HHSRS Hazard 2 - Excess Cold: Guidance Checklist

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How can I reduce excess cold in a property?

Improve insulation in walls, roofs, and floors. Upgrade to double or triple-glazed windows and seal any draughts around doors and windows.

What heating systems help address excess cold hazards?

Install or upgrade to efficient, controllable heating systems such as gas central heating or modern electric radiators. Ensure every habitable room has a heat source.

How can landlords ensure heating is affordable for tenants?

Use energy-efficient systems and provide programmable thermostats. Consider insulating the property to reduce energy consumption and bills.

How do I assess whether a property has an excess cold risk?

Check internal temperatures during colder months, look for signs of condensation or mould, and evaluate the EPC rating of the building.

What support is available for tackling excess cold?

Landlords may be eligible for government grants or local authority schemes aimed at energy efficiency improvements such as ECO or the Green Homes Grant.