By Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook last week confirmed that from 2035, the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) in a revised format will apply to the private rented sector, introducing new compliance requirements for private landlords. Further details on the announcement can be found in a published policy statement here.
The Decent Homes Standard (DHS) is a set of criteria for social landlords to ensure their properties are of a decent standard, and currently applies only to social housing stock. It was first implemented in 2001 and last updated in 2006. The extension of the Decent Homes Standard, alongside Awaabs Law, to the private rented sector is a key measure set out in the Renters’ Rights Act to ensure tenants in the private rented sector have safe and decent homes.
The deadline for this is longer than originally anticipated under the Renters’ Rights Act, which was originally expected to roll out to the private rented sector from 2030. Whilst the announcement clearly sets a timeline, there is no clear guidance or information for landlords or tenants at this stage. The government statement will be published in due course.
Many Labour MPs and campaigners have criticised the delay and the wait until 2035. Sarah Elliott, the chief executive of Shelter, said: “Renters simply can’t wait this long for decent homes. It is outrageous that millions of renters are stuck paying hand over fist for often shoddy homes that pose a real danger to their health. Now, to add insult to injury, renters are being asked to wait almost an entire decade for the basic protection of a decent home,” she said.
“The government must ensure renters’ homes are safe to live in now, not in 2035, while supporting councils to bring rule-breakers to book by properly funding local authority enforcement teams.”
As there is no standard applied to the private rented sector at this moment in time, private landlords by law are required to ensure that their homes are fit for human habitation, including being free from category 1 hazards as defined by the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government also commented that “Landlords must continue to fix problems where they exist while the new decent homes’ standard is being implemented.
Overall, while the new standard is phased in to the private rented sector, private landlords remain legally responsible for keeping their properties safe and habitable, making proactive maintenance more important than ever as opposed to reactive.
As we progress through the Renters’ Rights Act, staying informed and ahead is crucial to staying professional and compliant within the private rented sector. Join the free LIS community today for up-to-date resources and guidance to help you stay compliant and professional as a landlord.
Comments