Date Published 18 September 2025
Everyone deserves to live in a safe and decent home. This is why we are introducing a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) in the private rented sector for the first time. Applying a DHS to privately rented homes will ensure tenants benefit from homes that are safe and decent.
The Renters' Rights Bill will allow regulations to be made setting out DHS requirements for private rented sector homes and will provide local councils with effective and proportionate enforcement powers. We have committed to consult on our plans for a reformed Decent Homes Standard that will apply to both the social and private rented sectors.
We know that the majority of landlords already provide decent housing and a good service for their tenants. The DHS will help landlords by clarifying requirements and establishing a level playing field, backed up by consistent enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
Which PRS properties will be required to meet the DHS?
The Decent Homes Standard will apply to the vast majority of private rented homes, including all PRS homes let on assured tenancies. The standard will also apply to privately rented supported housing occupied both under tenancies and licences. This means that most tenants will benefit from the new standard.
The Bill also includes a power to extend the scope to include other types of tenancies and licences. This will allow us to respond to changes in the sector or evidence of poor condition in some PRS property types that are not covered by the standard.
How will the Decent Homes Standard be enforced?
If a privately rented property fails to meet DHS requirements, the local council will have a range of enforcement mechanisms available. This includes, for example, issuing an improvement notice requiring the landlord to remedy the failure within a specified timescale.
Landlords who fail to comply with enforcement action can be subject to a civil penalty or criminal prosecution. If such an offence is committed, the tenant or local council can also apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a rent repayment order.
We will be introducing a legal duty on landlords to ensure their property meets the DHS. For landlords who fail to take reasonably practicable steps to keep their properties free of serious hazards, local councils will also have a new power to issue civil penalties of up to £7,000. This will incentivise all landlords to proactively manage and maintain the safety and decency of their properties.
Credit- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill/guide-to-the-renters-rights-bill
