The UK government has set out plans to introduce a new Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector, which is a significant shift in expectations for property conditions across England. This initiative mirrors existing requirements in the social housing sector, and forms part of a broader push to modernise and raise the quality of rented accommodation for millions of tenants.

While the Decent Homes Standard has been in place for many years in social housing, this will be the first time the private sector is held to similar statutory benchmarks. These changes are being proposed as part of the forthcoming Renters' Rights Bill, with implementation in full likely to stretch well into the next decade. However, the government is currently consulting on the standard, and letting agents and landlords have an opportunity to contribute their views until mid-September 2025.

What Is the Decent Homes Standard?

At its core, the Decent Homes Standard is a minimum benchmark for what constitutes a "decent" place to live. It outlines the conditions that all rented properties must meet to ensure they are safe, warm, and fit for human habitation.

The proposed standard for private rentals is built around five key principles:

Freedom from Serious Hazards (Category 1 Hazards)

Properties must be free of serious health and safety hazards, as defined under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This includes issues like severe damp, electrical risks, unsafe stairs, or any hazard deemed likely to cause serious harm.

A Reasonable State of Repair

This refers to the structural integrity and general upkeep of a property. Clear definitions will be set out, but the aim is to ensure that homes are not just free from immediate danger but also structurally sound and maintained to a reasonable standard.

Modern Facilities

Dwellings must be equipped with reasonably modern kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as appropriate heating and ventilation systems. These requirements aim to raise the living standard in rented properties and reduce the variation in quality currently seen in the market.

Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Homes must meet new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to support better thermal comfort for tenants. While exact specifications are still under consultation, this will likely align with the broader UK objective of raising the EPC rating of rented properties, potentially to C or above by 2030.

No Damp or Mould

Properties must be free of damp and mould, which have long been recognised as detrimental to health and a persistent issue in both social and private housing. The emphasis here is on long-term prevention and improved reporting and enforcement mechanisms.

Timeline for Implementation

While these standards are ambitious, the government has acknowledged the scale of the challenge, particularly in the PRS where property conditions can vary dramatically. As such, full enforcement is not expected until 2035 or 2037, giving landlords and letting agents a long lead-in period to understand, prepare for, and meet the new requirements.

This extended timeline is partly due to the anticipated updates to MEES, which are set to be rolled out across both social and private sectors by 2030. The government recognises that significant investment may be needed to upgrade older or poorly performing properties, especially in terms of energy efficiency.

Strengthened Enforcement Ahead of the Standard

Even before the Decent Homes Standard formally comes into effect, the government intends to bolster enforcement powers for local authorities. Councils will be equipped with new tools to tackle substandard housing more effectively, including:

• Increased financial penalties, with fines of up to £40,000 for landlords who fail to comply with improvement notices or other enforcement actions.

• Enhanced rights to inspect and intervene in problematic properties.

• A more unified national database to track non-compliant landlords and agents.

Though no definitive timeline has been announced for these enforcement measures, they are expected to be introduced ahead of the 2035–2037 compliance window for the Decent Homes Standard itself.

Why This Matters for Letting Agents and Landlords

For landlords and letting agents across the UK, the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard represents a major regulatory shift that will reshape the expectations of the private rental sector.

Until now, private landlords have not been held to the same codified standard as their counterparts in social housing. With the sector under increasing scrutiny—especially around housing quality, energy use, and tenant welfare—this move aims to level the playing field and establish a universal baseline for property standards.

As Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook stated:

“Everyone deserves the security and comfort of a safe, warm and decent home. Yet far too many of those living in social and privately rented homes have to put up with substandard conditions.”

Pennycook went on to explain that the current approach is outdated and no longer reflects the needs of modern tenants or the evolving responsibilities of landlords. The proposed changes are designed to deliver transformational, lasting improvements not just in social housing but across the entire rented housing landscape.

What Should Landlords and Agents Do Now?

While the full rollout is still years away, early preparation will be essential. Landlords and letting agents should begin by:

• Reviewing existing property portfolios to identify any homes with Category 1 hazards or persistent damp and mould problems.

• Conducting EPC assessments and considering the financial implications of achieving a higher rating, especially if MEES targets rise to EPC C.

• Budgeting for upgrades such as boiler replacements, insulation, ventilation systems, and modern kitchen/bathroom refurbishments.

• Monitoring the consultation process, especially as further guidance will emerge on what constitutes “reasonable repair” and “modern facilities.”

Letting agents in particular may want to update their compliance procedures and documentation, ensuring that landlords they represent are informed and taking proactive steps. It could also present an opportunity for agents to position themselves as valuable partners in ensuring legal compliance and long-term portfolio management.

So what happens next?

The Decent Homes Standard is a landmark policy shift for the private rented sector, setting out a clearer and more ambitious vision for the future of rental housing in the UK. With years to prepare, landlords and agents have time on their side—but that time should be used wisely.

Whether you manage a single property or a large portfolio, aligning your assets with these forthcoming standards will not only ensure legal compliance but will also enhance tenant satisfaction, protect long-term asset value, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable housing market. Time to bring all your essential property management tasks onto one, streamlined platform? Book a 20 minute no-commitment demo of togetha and see how much time and money we could save your property business.