Government response to the Decent Homes Standard consultation confirms the standard will be extended to the private rented sector with a phased implementation timeline and new exemption framework.
The government has published its response to the consultation on extending the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector. The response confirms the government's intention to extend the standard and sets out the implementation approach: a phased rollout giving landlords lead time to bring non-compliant properties up to standard before enforcement begins.
The consultation response confirms the four criteria of the Decent Homes Standard as they will apply to the private rented sector: the property must be above the Category 1 hazard threshold under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS); it must be in a reasonable state of repair; it must have reasonably modern facilities and services; and it must provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
Landlords should assess their portfolio against the four criteria, particularly the thermal comfort and state of repair requirements, which are most likely to require remediation investment. The full implementation timeline and exemption process will be set out in secondary legislation. Landlord Insights will monitor the legislative progress and brief subscribers on the enforcement regime as it is confirmed.
Action required
Assess your portfolio against the four Decent Homes criteria, particularly thermal comfort and state of repair requirements.
Effective
Phased implementation timeline TBC · England
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