Independent HHSRS2 Property Assessment

Property problems are easier to deal with before they become complaints, enforcement issues or urgent remedial works.

Sunderland Landlord Compliance coordinates comprehensive independent HHSRS2 property assessments through suitably experienced housing professionals. The assessment uses the updated 2026 Housing Health and Safety Rating System methodology to identify potential housing hazards, property deficiencies and recommended actions.

The result is a structured professional report that helps landlords, agents and property professionals understand the condition of the property, the seriousness of any identified risks and what should happen next.

The point of the exercise is to be proactive rather than reactive. A good assessment tells you what is wrong, how serious it is, what action is required, which specialists may be needed, what should be prioritised and what happens next.

HHSRS is the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. It is used to assess potential risks to the health and safety of occupiers arising from deficiencies in residential property, rather than simply listing cosmetic disrepair.

The framework was updated in 2026. The previous 29 hazards were consolidated into 21 hazards and the assessment and scoring methodology was revised. Assessments consider the likelihood of harm occurring and the potential severity of the outcome, and hazards may be identified as Category 1 or Category 2.

Local authorities use HHSRS as part of housing standards and enforcement activity. Private landlords, letting agents and property professionals can also commission an independent assessment proactively, for their own understanding and planning. An independent report is a professional opinion. It is not a council enforcement decision, and Sunderland Landlord Compliance is not a local authority or an enforcement body.

Scope is confirmed in writing before the visit. Depending on the property and the reason for instruction, the assessment may include:

This is a substantial professional assessment, not a short checklist inspection. The written report you receive may contain:

Sunderland Landlord Compliance is not a directory and not a lead-generation service. We manage the whole process and stay accountable for the delivery.

You do not need to know which specialist you need. Tell us the problem or the requirement and we will help establish the right route.

Reports are not sent straight from the assessor to you. The assessor submits the report to Sunderland Landlord Compliance, we check it for completeness and for correct customer and property details, and we then release the final report to you.

We do not alter technical conclusions. SLC coordinates and quality-checks delivery. The professional findings remain those of the assessor who attended the property.

Where the assessment identifies additional requirements, Sunderland Landlord Compliance can coordinate appropriate follow-on services through independently qualified subcontractors and specialists:

1. You submit an assessment request
2. SLC reviews the property and the scope
3. SLC issues a written quotation
4. You accept the quotation
5. Payment in full is required
6. The inspection date is secured
7. SLC allocates the surveyor
8. Site attendance is completed
9. The report is produced
10. SLC reviews the report and releases it to you
11. Any follow-on actions are quoted separately

Quotation acceptance and payment in full are required before an inspection date can be secured or confirmed. Appointment availability remains subject to surveyor availability at the time payment is received.

HHSRS2 assessments are quoted individually based on property type, size, location and required scope.

Assessments are coordinated across the standard SLC service areas: Sunderland, Washington, Houghton-le-Spring, Seaham, Gateshead, Newcastle, South Shields, Durham, Hartlepool and Bishop Auckland.

Wider North East and UK coverage may be available for specialist assessments by quotation.

From routine certificates to complex property compliance requirements, Sunderland Landlord Compliance helps identify the right solution, coordinate the appropriate specialist and manage the process through to completion.

One point of contact. The right specialist. Clear next steps. Not sure what inspection you need? Tell us what is happening at the property and we will help establish the right next step. Complex enquiries are welcome.

Background reading is available in our HHSRS2 2026 guide for landlords, alongside the wider Knowledge Centre.