Compliance & safety · 12 July 2026
The Decent Homes Standard comes to private renting
The standard that has applied to social housing is being extended to private lets.
Overview
Private rented homes will need to meet a Decent Homes Standard covering hazards, disrepair, modern facilities and thermal comfort.
The four tests
Free of serious hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, with reasonably modern facilities and services, and providing a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
Enforcement
Councils can serve improvement notices and issue civil penalties, and tenants can seek a rent repayment order in serious cases.
Budgeting
Kitchens, bathrooms, boilers and windows all have expected service lives. Plan replacements rather than waiting for failure.
General information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.