When a housing standards officer is asked to inspect an infested dwelling they will look for any risk of harm to an actual or potential occupier of a dwelling, which results from any deficiency that can give rise to a hazard using the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
They judge the severity of the risk by thinking about the likelihood of an occurrence that could cause harm over the next twelve months, and the range of harms that could result. The relevant hazard here would be “protection against infection” and would cover domestic hygiene, pests and refuse. An HHSRS score is calculated following an inspection. Officers use the formal scoring system within HHSRS to demonstrate the seriousness of hazards that can cause harm in dwellings. The scoring system for hazards is prescribed by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (England) Regulations 2005 (SI 2005 No 3208). The department has also issued operating guidance for carrying out inspections and assessing hazards.
If there are risks to the health or safety of occupants that the officer thinks should be dealt with they have various powers at their disposal to ensure that owners and landlords take corrective measures, such as service of an Improvement Notice or Hazard Awareness Notice. If the officer finds a serious hazard (i.e. one in the higher scoring bands A – C, referred to as Category 1 hazards) the council is required to take one of the courses of action outlined in the enforcement guidance. Category 2 hazards (i.e. those in scoring bands D - J) are those that are judged to be less serious. Authorities can still take action to tackle these hazards where it is believed necessary.