Improvement notice
An improvement notice is a formal notice served by a local council under the Housing Act 2004 requiring a landlord to remedy a hazard identified under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
4 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
An improvement notice is a formal notice served by a local council under the Housing Act 2004 requiring a landlord to remedy a hazard identified under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
What triggers one
A council inspection identifying a Category 1 or Category 2 hazard, such as damp, disrepair or fire risk.
Landlord's obligations
The notice sets out required works and a deadline; failure to comply is a criminal offence.
Appeals
Landlords can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 21 days of the notice being served.
This wiki entry is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.