The government has given details of what it considers to be an appropriate Decent Homes Standard for the private rental sector.

It closely mirrors proposals for the social rental sector, too, where such a standard has existed for many years.

The government is consulting on the new standard which will be introduced in principle as part of the Renters Rights Bill, when that becomes law in the autumn. However, agents and landlords are not being expected to ensure properties meet the new standards until well into the future – in the cases of some measures, not until 2037.

The government’s proposals – out to consultation until mid-September – are based on five principles:

Homes must be free from Category 1 hazards  
Be in a reasonable state of repair –  with clear parameters laid out as to what this means  
Have reasonably modern facilities 
Meet new ‘thermal comfort requirements’ related to minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) 
Be free of any damp or mould. 
The suggested implementation date for the new Decent Homes Standard is either 2035 or 2037, with the long lead-in time giving the sector time to get to grips with new minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) set to be introduced to all tenancies – in both the private and social sectors – by 2030. 

New enforcement powers for councils, which include the increased penalty amounts of up to £40,000 for non-compliance with enforcement action would be introduced ahead of the Decent Homes Standard, although no set timeframe is suggested. 

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook says: “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.

“The standard in its current form no longer reflects the present-day needs of tenants or landlords and it is falling short when it comes to addressing fundamental problems with our social housing stock. For these reasons and more, it needs to be modernised. It also needs to be expanded because when it comes to quality and safety, transformational and lasting change cannot be confined only to those in social rented homes.

“Regardless of who is your landlord is, there should be a universally accepted and understood minimum standards of safe and decent housing for all tenants and landlords across the country. That is why our Renters’ Rights Bill extends the DHS to the PRS for the first time.”

In response Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, says: “Agents want to see safe and secure homes across the private and social rented sector, so we welcome a further review of proposals to ensure all renters have a safe, warm and decent home.

“What’s key is that policymakers understand the different property types within both the private and social rented sectors, that they provide a level playing field between qualification requirements for property managers and focus on greater partnerships with agents, tenants and landlords to ensure the success of these measures.

“The issue has been consulted on before and with many property agents continuing to operate to professional standards, they still want to know through this new consultation process, how the UK Government will ensure local authorities are adequately resourced and funded so they can enforce the rules effectively.” 

The government proposals are long and detailed, and you can see them here – where you can also lodge your comments as part of the consultation.

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