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What is Prohibition order?
Last verified 31 October 2026
A prohibition order is an order a local housing authority can make under section 20 of the Housing Act 2004 when it is satisfied that a category 1 hazard exists on residential premises. It bars the use of the premises, or part of them.
Why it matters to landlords
For a dwelling or HMO that is not a flat, the whole property can be prohibited. For a flat, the order can cover the building containing the flats, any part of it, or its external common parts. A single order can cover more than one category 1 hazard on the same premises or building, and its operation can be suspended under section 23.
It is one of the council's enforcement tools alongside improvement notices. GOV.UK lists prohibition orders under the Housing Act 2004 among the disputes the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can hear, so you have a route to challenge one. Do not wait for an order to arrive: if a tenant or inspector flags a serious hazard, fix it and keep records.
Example
A council inspector finds a loft bedroom in Ben's rented house in Norwich with a missing escape route, a category 1 fire hazard. The council makes a prohibition order barring use of the room for sleeping until the work is done. Ben builds the escape route and tells the council the work is done.
Related terms
- Category 1 hazard
- Improvement notice
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Emergency remedial action
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)