One in 10 PRS homes have hazards that present a ‘risk of death’

Alarming new findings from Inventory Base reveal a potential ‘risk of death’ in one in 10 PRS homes in England.

It found that 10.7% of homes contain severe safety risks classified as Category 1 hazards for tenants.

These dangers, which include fire risks, structural failures, extreme cold and electrical faults, pose ‘immediate threats’ to tenants’ health and safety, potentially leading to fatal outcomes, permanent paralysis or severe injuries.

The firm says that the Renters’ Rights Bill will ‘flip the script’ and make private landlords more accountable with tougher council enforcement.

However, last week, Des Taylor from Landlord Licensing & Defence told Property118 that only councils will benefit from stricter RRB rules while criminal landlords will still evade detection.

‘Rogue landlords face no consequences’

The firm’s operations director, Siân Hemming-Metcalfe, said: “Category 1 hazards present a very real and present danger for people in the home – at any given moment, one can escalate into a life-altering, or even life-ending, disaster.

“So, how have we ended up in such a position where more than one in 10 private rented homes contains one or more of these life-threatening risks?

“While laws have long existed to prevent Category 1 hazards, enforcement has been weak.”

She added: “Hazards go unfixed. Rogue landlords face no consequences.

“The result? Dangerous homes, and tenants left exposed.”

Critical dangers in PRS homes

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) defines Category 1 hazards as the most critical dangers found in homes.

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020, caused by a severe respiratory infection linked to prolonged mould exposure in his rented home, underscored the lethal potential of such hazards, particularly damp and mould.

Inventory Base’s analysis of government data highlights that 27.8% of England’s Category 1 hazards are found in privately rented properties.

Regions with higher rates of risk

However, some regions face even graver challenges and rented homes in North Yorkshire top the list, with 28.6% of its PRS properties containing these life-threatening issues.

It is followed by Calderdale (27.2%), Westmorland and Furness (24.3%), Kirklees (24.2%), Bradford (23.8%) and Herefordshire (23.2%).

Other areas, including Derbyshire Dales (23%), the East Riding of Yorkshire (22.5%), Pendle (21.6%), Malvern Hills (21.3%) and North Lincolnshire (20%).

RRB will ‘flip the script’

Ms Hemming-Metcalfe said: “We only have to look at the recent scandal unfolding in Merseyside concerning two tower blocks that have been deemed so dangerous that the residents are about to be rendered homeless.

“The Renters’ Rights Bill is about to flip that script.

“Enforcement powers are being sharpened, with greater scrutiny and stronger penalties for landlords who ignore serious risks.”

She adds: “There will be no excuse for inaction. Inventory Base makes it easy for tenants to report issues and for property managers to act immediately – on-site or remotely, from a phone or laptop.

“For far too long, too many hazards have been left to fester, with rogue landlords facing nothing more than a shrug from overstretched councils.

“Tougher enforcement is the right move but only if local authorities are properly resourced to carry it through.”