HHSRS Stock Condition Survey
Protect tenants. Meet obligations. Plan investment.
A stock condition survey is a detailed inspection of a building or group of properties to assess their overall condition, remaining lifespan of key components, and future maintenance needs. It is commonly used by housing associations, local authorities, landlords, and asset managers to plan repairs, budget for future works, and ensure homes meet legal and safety standards.
The surveyor inspects internal and external elements such as roofs, walls, windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, electrics (visually), drainage, and communal areas. Each element is graded for condition, age, and expected replacement date, allowing a long-term maintenance and investment plan to be created. The results are typically recorded in a database or report and used to prioritise repairs, cyclical maintenance, and capital works.
A stock condition survey assesses the physical condition and future maintenance needs of a property or housing portfolio, while HHSRS is the legal framework used to identify and rate health and safety hazards within those homes. Together, they help landlords meet legal obligations, protect occupants, and plan cost-effective long-term investment.
What is HHSRS?
HHSRS stands for the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. It is the legal risk-assessment system used in England and Wales to identify and assess hazards in residential properties that could affect occupants’ health and safety.
It covers 29 hazard categories, including:
- Damp and mould growth
- Excess cold or heat
- Fire risk
- Electrical hazards
- Structural collapse
- Falls on stairs or surfaces
- Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion
- Crowding and space
Surveyors assess how likely a hazard is to cause harm and how serious the harm could be. Hazards are then rated as:
- Category 1 – serious hazards that landlords must take action to fix
- Category 2 – less serious hazards that still require monitoring or repair
