The proposals included will apply to both the social and private rented sectors in England so that all homes are free from damp, mould, and other hazards. The consultation, launched on 2 July 2025, also covers how local authorities would enforce the new standard and includes a proposal that it becomes an enforceable requirement in privately rented homes from 2035 or 2037.

 

2001 was the year the Decent Homes Standard was first implemented, and it was last updated in 2006, acting as a technical standard to specify minimum criteria that social landlords must meet to ensure their properties are decent. This means:

 

--> Free from health and safety hazards at the most dangerous 'category 1' level (as assessed using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

--> In a reasonable state of repair

--> Have reasonably modern facilities and services

--> Provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort

 

The Standard does not currently apply to privately rented housing. However, landlords must ensure their properties are fit for human habitation, and local authorities can take enforcement action against landlords whose properties contain serious hazards.

 

Renters’ Rights Bill

The UK Government are currently legislating to apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector through the Renters’ Rights Bill, including expanding the enforcement powers available to local authorities. Part 3 of the Bill amends the Housing Act 2004 to include a mechanism for applying the Decent Homes Standard to qualifying residential premises, including HMOs, in the private rented sector. Proposals to extend the Decent Homes Standard were previously consulted on in October 2022.

 

A standard for all 

Through the consultation, the UK Government aims to ensure that the Decent Homes Standard becomes a common benchmark for both private and social rented housing, providing clarity for tenants and landlords alike. The proposals seek to place greater emphasis on the actual condition of a home rather than relying on arbitrary age profiles for furnishings and fittings.

 

The consultation will also explore how issues such as damp and mould can be addressed more comprehensively, alongside measures to ensure that window restrictors are installed wherever windows pose a fall hazard to children.

 

The consultation will last for 10 weeks and close on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

 

via [Propertymark]