Category 1 hazard
The most serious level of hazard under the HHSRS. When a council finds one in a home, it must take enforcement action.
In short: A category 1 hazard is a hazard that scores in the highest bands under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, such as severe damp and mould, excess cold or a serious fall risk. Under the Housing Act 2004 a council that finds one has a duty to take action, usually an improvement notice.
Repairs and standardsSafety certificates and the home
England. Checked against the law on 5 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.
The difference between the categories:
- Category 1: the council must take one of the actions the Act allows.
- Category 2: less serious; the council may act.
Common category 1 hazards in rented homes include excess cold from poor heating or insulation, damp and mould, falls on stairs, electrical hazards and fire.
For a landlord, a category 1 finding usually means an improvement notice with a deadline, and possibly a charge for the council's costs. Not complying is an offence that can lead to a civil penalty or a rent repayment order.
Read more: Repairs, damp and mould: what the landlord must fix, and how fast
Related: HHSRS, Improvement notice
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EICR codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI
The codes an electrician uses on an EICR: C1 danger present, C2 potentially dangerous, FI further investigation needed, C3 improvement recommended.
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Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
The method councils in England use to assess hazards in homes, such as damp, cold, falls and fire, and decide whether to take action against the landlord.
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Awaab's Law
Rules setting fixed times for landlords to investigate and fix damp, mould and other serious hazards. In force for social housing; due to be extended to private lets.
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Decent Homes Standard
A standard a home must meet: free of serious hazards, in reasonable repair, with reasonably modern facilities and warm. Applies to social housing; planned for private lets.
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Electrical installation condition report (EICR)
A report by a qualified electrician on the safety of a home's fixed wiring. Every private let in England needs one at least every five years.
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Energy performance certificate (EPC)
A certificate rating a home's energy efficiency from A (best) to G, valid for ten years. Needed before a home is let or sold, and shown in adverts.