a man wearing safety glasses and respirator mask

Decent Homes Standard (DHS) for Private Rental Sector

ByNicholas Blakeley Hours

What’s new: The UK Government has outlined its Decent Homes Standard for the private rental sector (PRS), closely resembling rules already in place for social housing.

Legislative path: The DHS will be part of the Renters’ Rights Bill, expected to become law in autumn 2025, but implementation will stretch out to 2035 or 2037 for some measures.

5 Core Standards Proposed:

  • Free of Category 1 hazards
  • In a reasonable state of repair
  • With reasonably modern facilities
  • Meeting thermal comfort and MEES standards
  • Completely free of damp and mould

Council enforcement powers:

  • Penalties could rise to £40,000 for non-compliance
  • Timeline for enforcement remains undefined

Government stance: Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook says DHS must be modernised and expanded—PRS renters deserve homes as safe and comfortable as those in social housing.

Propertymark’s response: Timothy Douglas urges a level playing field, clear qualification standards, and robust funding for council enforcement. Agents back safe homes but want clarity on execution and local authority support.

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