Making homes safer for tenants

The Decent Homes Standard was first introduced by the Conservative Government in 2000 to ensure that all social housing met a minimum standard of condition. The Labour Government has then taken this a step further by extending the Decent Homes Standard’s principals to the private rented sector, enacted in the Renters’ Rights Act (2025).

“Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe and decent. All tenants should be able to feel proud of where they live and be treated with respect.” ¹

HEALTHIER HOMES

Rental properties, both social and PRS make up a significant proportion of the UK housing stock. (37% nationally, but 53% in the capital). Statistics show that people often pay up to half their salary renting a home. It is therefore a major outgoing and for many, the only way to afford a roof over their own head. It is only right that this expense guarantees a safe and ‘healthy’ home.

THE PRINCIPLES

The concept of the Decent Homes Standard is a reasonable one. It determines that all rental property, both social and private rented sector, must meet a minimum set standard.

In a nutshell they must:

be free from serious safety hazards (faulty wiring, structural damage)
be in a reasonable state of repair (free from damp and mould)
provide adequate modern facilities (kitchen and bathroom)
deliver thermal comfort (insulation – EPC C by 2030, and adequate heating)

NEW CRITERIA

Overall, more stringent controls are being introduced including for example, security measures to stop intruders, the presence of window restrictors where applicable, the quality of floor coverings, and minimum space and condition standards for kitchens, bathrooms and toilets. Kitchens and bathrooms are now considered key components and assessed on their actual condition rather than how long they have been there. A well-maintained kitchen fitted twenty years ago passes; a poorly maintained one fitted recently might not.

HEATING & ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The thermal comfort requirement has been strengthened considerably. A home’s primary heating system must be capable of distributing heat throughout the whole property. Tenants should be able to warm the entire home, not just one or two rooms, without relying on temporary or makeshift heaters. Thermal comfort is also now more closely aligned with energy performance reform, with privately rented homes expected to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) by 1 October 2030.

IMPLEMENTATION

Phase 1
From October 2025 onwards (Phase 1), PRS landlords were required to address damp and mould hazards within fixed timescales and must address all emergency repairs within a 24-hour timeframe.

Phase 2
From May 2026, further requirements apply to a variety of hazards including excess cold and heat, structural collapse, fire, electrical and explosion risks, and hygiene hazards.

Phase 3
In 2027 Awaab’s Law expands to include the remaining hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

Full rollout of the Decent Homes Standard across all tenures is expected between 2035 and 2037, giving landlords time to plan upgrades.

PENALTIES

Alongside the new legislation comes greater accountability. To ensure that Decent Homes Standards are met, the government is increasing the maximum civil penalty that local authorities can impose for non-compliance from £30,000 to £40,000. It also gives councils the ability to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £7,000 for serious failures where a landlord has not taken reasonable steps to address the issue within the appropriate timescale.

THE NEW PRS OMBUDSMAN

From 2028, the PRS Ombudsman will be in operation, which will be mandatory for landlords to join. The Ombudsman will be able to award compensation and require remedial action independently of the courts. Landlords who fail to register face loss of possession rights meaning they could be prevented from legally evicting tenants even on legitimate grounds, leaving them trapped with no route to reclaim their property through the courts.

LANDLORDS – ITS TIME TO BE PROACTIVE!

How can landlords stay on top of the rules cost-effectively? The answer is to be proactive and plan ahead – and that’s where MIH can help. The first step is to take an audit of all properties and conduct a thorough inspection to identify potential issues and establish a time frame for making reparations. Look out for signs of structural damage, damp and mould, and consider the age, quality, and functionality of kitchens, bathrooms, and electrical and heating systems.

It’s important to check extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens are working and adequate for the space, and include ventilation advice in your tenant welcome pack, reminding tenants of their role in preventing mould. Taking preventative measures is generally more cost effective than trying to fix the problem further down the line.

It is now more important than ever to keep meticulous records. Document all inspections, repairs, and communications with tenants. If a dispute arises, this evidence is your protection. Check your insurance to ensure that you are covered for any impact from the new legislation.

If you’re ahead of the changes then you’re on track, but many of the landlords we speak to find the prospects quite daunting. We can help support you with the audit, planning, costing and maintenance process. Investing now will save time, worry and money in the long term.