The additional paperwork that the looming Decent Homes Standard will create for letting agents and landlords has taken a step toward after Ministers revealed that following a consultation that has now been launched, the updated standard will go live for the private rented sector in 2037.

As an example of how slowly the cogs of government turn, this consultation on the Decent Homes Standard was first revealed by Angela Rayner ten months ago while a previous consultation by the Boris Government took place in 2022.

At the time Rayner said the standard would benchmark minimum standards of property repair, facilities and services and set out that homes in the private sector should also provide a ‘reasonable level of thermal comfort’.

The consultation, which finishes on the 10th September,  also sets out Labour’s plans to redefine what disrepair of a property’s key features can be.

Currently a feature – like a heating system – must be ‘old and in a poor condition’ to be defined as in disrepair whereas the new standard will mean even recently-installed heating systems that are badly maintained will be included.

The new standard will also be linked to Awaab’s Law, the mould and damp regulations that are themselves being consulted on now.

Floor covering

Other ‘criterion’ for meeting the standard include quality of floor covering, security measures to stop intruders, the presence of window restrictors where applicable, as well minimum size and quality standards of kitchens, bathrooms and toilets.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook (main image) comments: “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.

First time

“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, the NRLA says 79% of private rented homes already meet the existing Decent Homes Standard, despite it not being legally binding on the sector.

“We welcome publication of the government’s proposals and will engage positively as they consult on them,” adds chief executive Ben Beadle. “Landlords, letting agents, tenants and councils need a clear, coherent and workable set of standards to meet.

“However, setting this standard is only part of the solution. Without effective and properly resourced enforcement by councils, the minority of rogue and criminal landlords will continue to undermine tenants’ confidence and damage the reputation of the wider sector. It is time to find and root out poor practice for good.”

Read the consultation in full.