Decent Homes Standard Consultation

The Government proposes introducing a new ‘Decent Homes Standard’ in the private rented sector in England. A consultation has been announced, which sets out the Government’s proposal for the new Standard and seeks views on how they could implement it. 

The Government is committed to ensuring that all homes in the private rented sector are fit for human habitation. The sector has grown rapidly in recent years and now accounts for around 4 million households, many of whom are families with children. 

According to the consultation, over a fifth of the 4.4 million households that rent privately endure poor conditions and lack security and control over the homes they pay to live in. 

The Decent Homes Standard would set a minimum home repair and maintenance level. The Standard would be enforceable by local authorities, who would have the power to impose sanctions on landlords who fail to meet it. 

The consultation is open to all interested parties and will close on 14 October 2022. 

The consultation is available here and can be completed online.

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View Related Handbook Page

Housing Health and Safety Rating System

The Housing Act 2004 places a statutory duty on local authorities to identify hazards and to assess risks to tenants’ health and safety. Local authorities are required to use a system called the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

Landlords’ Responsibilities for Repair and Maintenance

In addition to any repair responsibilities explicitly set out in the tenancy agreement, common law and statute will imply terms to the agreement between landlord and tenant.