The weather is really heating up, and so are your properties. Property managers must prepare for dangerous indoor conditions caused by spiking temperatures. Excess heat is a hazard just like anything else on the The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) list, which is why it pays to have read up on the subject. The HHSRS is a risk assessment tool used to evaluate potential hazards in residential properties. It helps local authorities identify and address risks to the health and safety of occupants.
This summer is projected to be hot, hot, hot, and the UK is well-known for its high-density dwellings that trap heat inside. Learn how agents can beat the heat and keep their tenants cool by exploring what constitutes excess heat and how property managers can better identify and prevent this hazard in their rented properties.
The definition of ‘excess heat’ changes depending on the climate and the environment. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that internal temperatures of 24°C and above can be classified as excessive.
The HHSRS operating guidance simply describes excess heat as “threats from excessively high indoor air temperatures”. It also points out that when the temperature exceeds 25°C, strokes and deaths are more likely. This is why it’s important to remember it’s not just about the number on the dial; factors like humidity and the levels of air movement also have to be taken into account.
Flats are more at risk from excess heat because they tend to be poorly insulated (particularly those that were built pre-1945). Tower blocks and apartment buildings tend to retain heat due to the volume of people living within. Flats directly underneath an uninsulated roof or with only south-facing elevation are particularly at risk.
For vulnerable residents, like the extremely young, the elderly or those with compromised mobility, excess heat can be lethal. It can also increase the risk of strokes and exacerbate underlying cardiovascular or renal concerns. Heatwaves have also been linked with excess mortality due to mental disorders. Even amongst those who do not normally fit into an at-risk category, it can lead to dehydration and other health concerns.
One of the most obvious solutions to excess heat is installing air conditioning or ventilation systems but these can be costly. Simpler solutions such as increased shading (through shutters and external awnings) are more cost-effective ways to reduce temperatures and are generally quicker to install. Investing in standalone fans for residents is another easy but effective way to get air circulating and reduce temperatures.
Property managers should also ensure residents have sufficient blinds or curtains to minimise solar heat gain during the day. Nevertheless, it is not enough to simply provide these. The best way to deal with excess heat is to educate residents. Make sure they open windows and use curtains or blinds first thing in the morning. Tell residents to ventilate effectively after dusk, allowing trapped heat to escape through open windows.
These might all sound basic but they can make a big difference to internal temperatures. Vulnerable residents should try to stay in cooler parts of the property, such as north-facing rooms which get little sunlight, in the afternoon.
It’s worth conducting a thorough risk assessment especially for flats in multi-occupied buildings. Fortunately, should issues arise, there are simple and cost-effective ways to counter them without having to get all hot under the collar.
Apart from excess heat, there are many hazards one should look out for when managing a rented home. They can be viewed on the Government website here.
As the temperatures continue to climb, it's clear that excess heat is a serious and often underestimated hazard for properties. Just like any other item on the HHSRS list, it poses significant risks to tenants' health and well-being.
By understanding what constitutes excess heat, identifying at-risk properties, and recognising the potential health issues, property managers can take proactive steps. Implementing preventative measures alongside resident engagement and education on effective cooling techniques, are not just good practices but a legal obligation. Staying informed and prepared is key to keeping tenants safe and comfortable, ensuring properties remain cool and compliant.
Want to know more about the HHSRS and its hazards? Here is our guide to all 29.
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