A new consultation has been launched by the Government on reforming the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) for social and privately rented homes. Historically, the DHS applied only to the social rented sector, but proposals now aim to extend a reformed version of the standard to the private rented sector.
What is the Decent Home Standard?
The DHS was first introduced in 2001 as a benchmark for property condition in the social housing sector. Its core aim is to ensure homes are safe, warm and in a reasonable state of repair. Over the past two decades, the DHS has played a key role in raising the quality of council and housing association properties.
Currently, there is no equivalent comprehensive standard in the private rented sector. Instead, landlords are required to ensure that their homes are fit for human habitation, including being free from category one hazards as defined by the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Applying a similar standard to private landlords would therefore be a significant policy change with direct compliance implications that need to be considered. Key implications include:
- Mandatory compliance with new minimum standards on repair, facilities and thermal comfort.
- Stronger enforcement powers for local authorities
- Increased penalties for non-compliance with court enforcement orders
The introduction of a mandatory DHS in the private rental sector will significantly raise the baseline condition expected of rental properties and increase the penalties/enforcement powers available to local authorities, should landlords fail to comply.
Advice for Landlords
The direction of travel within the private rented sector is firmly aimed at improving the private rental experience and trying to improve the disparity between private rented sector tenants and those within the social housing sector. The Renters Rights Bill (due to receive Royal Assent in the coming months) is set to introduce major changes to address the security of tenure for private tenants. So it comes as no surprise that the Government are also keen to bring parity across the two sectors with regard to the state and condition of housing stock.
However, while the consultation represents a significant regulatory shift, it remains a distant one. Proposals for the reformed DHS are not expected to be brought into force until either 2035 or 2037, giving landlords plenty of time to review their portfolios and consider the proposed changes.
That said, certain enforcement powers could come into force earlier, including increased fines of up to £40,000 for non-compliance with enforcement notices, and so Landlords shouldn’t delay in ensuring they remain compliant with the existing category 1 HHSRS standards.
Should landlords wish to respond to the consultation, they are invited to complete the following online survey by 11:45pm on 10 September 2025: A Reformed Decent Homes Standard for Social and Privately Rented Homes Consultation - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space.
How Tozers can help
Our team of experts is well-versed in housing regulations and can provide tailored advice to help you understand the implications of the proposed reforms. We offer comprehensive services to ensure that your properties meet the necessary requirements. As the deadline for the consultation approaches, it’s crucial to act promptly.
