Decent Homes Standard: Where Do Landlords Stand?

At iHowz, we’ve long had concerns about how the Decent Homes Standard is being applied — especially under the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill. While well-intentioned, the current approach leaves landlords facing uncertainty and potentially significant costs.  This has been amplified by a recent article in Landlord Today, by Dave Sayce, co-founder of Compare My Move

Originally introduced in 2002 and updated in 2006, the Decent Homes Standard includes four key criteria:

• Statutory minimum standards – Properties must meet existing legal housing requirements.

• Reasonable state of repair – Key elements like roofs, windows, and walls must not be in disrepair.

• Modern facilities and services – Adequate kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems.

• Thermal comfort – Homes should be warm, with suitable heating and insulation.

So, what’s the issue?

Some of these points are already covered by existing legislation. For example, under Section 11 of the 1985 Landlord & Tenant Act, landlords are already required to maintain the structure and services of a rental property.

What’s more concerning is the vague language in the guidance. Terms like “adequate insulation”, “modern facilities”, and “suitable temperature” are open to interpretation. And with enforcement left to local councils, standards may vary wildly across the country — a major issue for landlords with properties in different regions.

🏚️ Economic Pressure on Landlords

The Decent Homes Standard may lead to high upgrade costs, particularly for older homes. Many landlords — especially small to medium operators — may not have the financial resilience to absorb these changes. Some may sell, leading to:

• Shrinking rental supply

• Rising rents

• Greater demand on council housing resources

This decentralised approach is reminiscent of issues seen with HMO licensing — where inconsistent local rules created headaches for landlords trying to stay compliant.

✅ Plain-Language Landlord Checklist

To help you assess your properties and prepare for what’s ahead, here’s a simplified checklist based on the Renters’ Rights Bill and expert analysis:

1. Property in Good Repair

• No damp, mould, or leaks

• Roof, walls, doors, and windows in working condition

• Safe electrics, plumbing, stairs, and flooring

2. Safety, Security & Comfort

• Doors and windows lock properly

• Smoke alarms on each floor

• Carbon monoxide alarms (where applicable)

• Lockable doors for shared facilities (in HMOs)

• No exposed wires or broken fittings

3. Heating & Insulation

• Fixed heating in all habitable rooms

• Working boiler or heating system

• Reasonable insulation (walls, lofts, floors)

• Double glazing on all windows

• No major draughts

4. Kitchen & Bathroom

• Kitchen < 20 years old

• Bathroom < 30 years old

• Clean, functional fixtures (sinks, toilet, bath/shower)

• Hot and cold running water

• Easy-to-clean surfaces

5. Hygiene & Cleanliness

• No pest infestations

• Suitable bins and waste disposal

• Clean shared areas (in HMOs)

Before the Bill Passes: Take Action

• ✅ Book a building survey (if not done in the last 10 years)

• ✅ Review your EPC and insulation levels

• ✅ Keep records of inspections, repairs, and upgrades

What Might Trigger Council Action?

• Tenant complaints about disrepair or cold conditions

• Ageing kitchens or bathrooms

• No fixed heating or poor insulation

• Repeated inspections without clear improvements

📌 Final Tip:
If you wouldn’t live there yourself, your property may fall short. Comfort, warmth, and safety aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the benchmarks of compliance.