Decent Homes Standard for Private Rented Sector: What Landlords Need to Know

The Labour government has reaffirmed its intention to apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector (PRS), aligning it with existing requirements in the social housing sector. For landlords, this marks a pivotal shift and one that could soon require significant investment and proactive planning.

What Is the Decent Homes Standard?

Originally introduced in 2000 for social housing, the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) is a minimum quality threshold for rental properties. A home is considered “decent” if it:

●      Meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing (for example, it is free from serious health and safety hazards under the current law).

●      Is in a reasonable state of repair.

●      Has reasonably modern facilities and services.

●      Provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort (such as heating and insulation).

The government now wants to extend this standard to private rentals, meaning millions of properties could soon fall under stricter scrutiny. A pilot consultation under the previous government received support in principle, but progress stalled. Labour’s renewed focus makes it likely that legislative proposals could follow quickly.

Why This Matters to Landlords

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) says that around a fifth of privately rented homes fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard, typically due to issues like cold, damp, disrepair, and outdated facilities.

Enforcement of these standards could lead to:

●      Legal obligations to upgrade properties.

●      Potential fines or rent repayment orders for non-compliance.

●      Pressure on landlords to modernise facilities and energy efficiency.

For proactive landlords, preparing now could help future-proof your investments and avoid costly last-minute repairs.

Tips for Landlords to Prepare

Here’s how to get ahead of the curve:

1. Conduct a Full Property Health Check

Hire a qualified surveyor or use your letting agent’s maintenance service to assess your property against the four key DHS areas. Pay close attention to:

●      Signs of damp and mould

●      Faulty wiring or outdated boilers

●      Insufficient insulation or heating

●      Poor-quality kitchens or bathrooms

2. Get Familiar with the HHSRS

Since DHS is linked to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), ensure you understand the 29 potential hazards under HHSRS, from structural instability and excess cold to fire risk and sanitation concerns.

A professional inspection can identify category 1 hazards (the most serious) that need urgent rectification.

3. Prioritise Repairs and Upgrades

If your property lacks “reasonably modern” facilities, it may fall short. The original DHS suggests:

●      Kitchens should be under 20 years old and appropriately laid out.

●      Bathrooms should be under 30 years old.

●      Adequate noise insulation and natural lighting should be present.

This may be the time to invest in modernisation, particularly in older properties.

4. Improve Energy Efficiency

Thermal comfort is a key DHS pillar. With EPC minimum standards already in place, aim for:

●      Effective insulation in roofs and walls

●      Double glazing

●      A modern, efficient boiler or heating system

Upgrades not only help meet the standard but can reduce tenant complaints and energy bills, boosting the property’s appeal and your chances of retaining tenants.

5. Keep Records and Plan Ahead

Document your repairs, improvements and inspections. If formal DHS compliance becomes law, having a paper trail can show due diligence and protect you in any disputes.

Additionally, consider setting aside a property maintenance fund to cover upcoming compliance costs. Waiting for legislation to come into force could leave you facing competition for tradespeople and inflated costs.

Property Management for Compliance

To ensure your properties remain in the best possible condition, compliant with all current legislation, outsource your property management to us. We have two packages to choose from that save you time and the headache of having to worry about meeting your legal requirements. Call us on 0208 5757630 to take the stress out of renting out properties.