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What is Hazard awareness notice?
Last verified 31 October 2026
A hazard awareness notice is a notice a local housing authority can serve under section 29 of the Housing Act 2004 telling a person that a category 2 hazard exists at residential premises because of a deficiency there. It is advisory.
Why it matters to landlords
The notice must set out the hazard, the deficiency, the premises, the council's reasons including why a notice is the most appropriate action, and any practicable remedial action. One notice can cover several category 2 hazards on the same premises or in a building containing flats. It can only be served where no management order is in force for the premises.
Part 1 of Schedule 1 on service of improvement notices applies to it as if it were an improvement notice. It can be combined with a section 28 notice for the same premises, which covers category 1 hazards. Even though it is advisory, it records the council's view of the hazard, so deal with what it describes and keep the evidence.
Example
An environmental health officer visits Lucy's flat in Exeter and finds a worn stair carpet that is a trip risk, scored as a category 2 hazard. The council serves a hazard awareness notice. Lucy replaces the carpet within three weeks, photographs the new one and emails the officer.
Related terms
- Category 1 hazard
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Improvement notice
- Prohibition order
- Fitness for human habitation