New Decent Homes Standard to come in from 2035

The new Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector from 2035, it has been confirmed today.

The new standard will replace the existing Decent Homes Standard, which currently only applies to social housing – with the new rules to apply to both.

The news follows a consultation on the plans last summer with the introduction of new rules among the many changes being brought in under the Renters’ Rights Act.

In line with the proposals revealed last year, it has confirmed the Government will ditch an existing rule that states all kitchens and bathrooms must be replaced once they reach a certain age – regardless of whether they are still in good condition. 

We have long made the case that age alone is not a suitable metric for kitchens and bathrooms in the private rented sector (PRS) and are glad to see the Government has listened. 

The only major difference between the plans announced in the summer and those revealed today is that plans to make it mandatory for landlords to provide floor coverings - such as carpets - in every room at the start of a tenancy have been dropped.

Clarity

NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle has welcomed the news, which he says gives landlords much need clarity. He said: “Providing a decent, safe place to live should be the top priority for any landlord.

“Whilst we will study the detail carefully, we broadly welcome the Government’s plans, which provide much-needed clarity for both landlords and tenants about the standards that should be expected of homes to rent.”

However, he has reminded Government that the sector needs assurances that action will be taken to tackle the rogues giving the sector a bad name.

This comes after the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health revealed there are an average of just 2.46 environmental health officers for every 10,000 private rented sector dwellings in London boroughs and 2.2 in metropolitan and unitary authorities, a number that it admits is: “not sufficient to deal with the existing numbers of tenant complaints.”

Furthermore data obtained by the NRLA under the Freedom of Information Act found that between 2021/22 and 2022/23, councils across England collected less than half of civil penalties levied on landlords, picking up just over £6million from a total of just under £13 million owed to them.

Robust enforcement needed

Ben added: “All the standards in the world will mean nothing without robust enforcement to back them up.

“At present, too many councils lack the staff and resources needed to find and root out rogue landlords. Our research also shows many councils are failing to collect civil penalties issued against landlords even where they have been issued.

“It is time to ensure enforcement is properly funded and targeted, so that the cost of action falls on those breaking the rules, not the responsible majority of landlords already doing the right thing."

What happens next?

The requirement for properties to be free of category 1 hazards (criterion A) is still set to come in this year ahead of the wider Decent Homes Standard, with the date and details yet to be revealed.

We are also awaiting the result of a consultation on Awaab's Law. Already introduced in the social sector, this will introduce strict requirements on timescales for dealing with hazards such as damp and mould.

More information

• For more information on what the new standards will look like keep an eye on our news site and social media channels.
• To visit our Renters' Rights Hub, packed with information and resources to help you manage the transition, click here.
• We have also developed an exclusive Navigator tool, offering you your personalised "to-do list” tailored to your needs, which can be accessed here. 
• The NRLA's award-winning training academy runs a comprehensive Renters' Rights Act training offer. Click here to book your place.
• We also offer a range of courses focussed on safety and standards. For full details click here.