The Fitness for Human Habitation Act came into force for tenancies in England from March 20th, 2019. This legislation means that landlords must ensure their property is fit for human habitation at the start of the tenancy and then maintain this standard throughout the rest of the time the tenant lives in the property.
Fit for human habitation means that the property may have a defect that is so serious that a court considers the property to be unfit for that person/s to live in.

This is an important distinction because it means that the property has to be judged on the basis of the property condition as it is and whether it is unsuitable for the actual person who lives in it.

The Act incorporates 29 Hazards found in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

The matters that could now cause a property to be unfit:
· Damp and mould growth
· Excess Cold
· Excess heat
· Asbestos and MMF
· Biocides
· Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
· Lead
· Radiation
· Uncombusted fuel gas
· Volatile organic compounds
· Crowding and space
· Entry by intruders
· Lighting
· Noise
· Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
· Food safety (inadequate provisions)
· Personal hygiene, sanitation, and drainage
· Water supply
· Falls (baths, between levels, level surfaces, and stairs)
· Electrical hazards
· Fire
· Flames, hot surfaces, etc

Kronos Estate Agents can help out landlords to ensure regulations are being followed. Contact us today via phone on 020 8004 4477 or via email at info@kronosestates.co.uk