Firm warns landlords to act now ahead of Decent Homes Standard

Landlords should begin preparing for the Decent Homes Standard sooner rather than later, a firm has claimed.

Conveyancing firm Compare My Move is urging landlords to get ahead of the 2035 deadline to identify and address issues within their properties.

Under the new standard, landlords will be required to meet certain criteria. These include ensuring homes are in a reasonable state of repair and provide core facilities and services, such as a kitchen with adequate space and layout, an appropriately located bathroom and WC, and sufficient protection from external noise.

Leaves many landlords in a difficult position

Dave Sayce, the firm’s co-founder, said that while the Renters’ Rights Act has become law, the Decent Homes Standard is still being developed and landlords should begin taking practical steps now.

He explains: “Landlords shouldn’t look at the 2035 Decent Homes Standard date and assume they can leave everything until the last minute. The Renters’ Rights Act is already law, but the detailed regulations and supporting guidance are still being developed, which leaves many landlords in a difficult position.

“They can see the direction of travel, with the standard expected to focus on hazards, repair, core facilities, thermal comfort, damp and mould, but they don’t yet have a complete practical checklist for every property type or compliance scenario. That uncertainty makes it harder to plan, especially for landlords managing older homes or larger portfolios.

“The most practical step landlords can take now is to understand the current condition of their properties. For those who haven’t had a detailed assessment for several years, a RICS Level 3 Survey can help identify issues around damp, structural movement, roofing, windows, heating, ventilation and general repair.

“It won’t replace legal compliance advice, but it can give landlords clearer evidence to work from, helping them prioritise maintenance and plan improvements before future regulations come into force.”

Issues with older properties

Mr Sayce adds that for older properties, a survey can help identify potential issues.

He said: “For landlords with older homes, larger portfolios or properties they haven’t inspected in detail for several years, a Level 3 survey can be a useful planning tool.

“It helps move the conversation from guesswork to evidence: what needs repairing, what could become a serious hazard, what might affect warmth or damp, what should be budgeted for first and if the property is even worth keeping as a rental property under the new act.

“Either way, waiting until regulations are fully in force could leave some landlords facing bigger bills, shorter deadlines and more pressure from tenants or local authorities.”

The government have previously claimed “too many tenants are living in poor quality housing”, with 21% of homes in the Private Rented Sector (PRS) and 10% of homes in the social rented sector failing to meet the Decent Homes Standard.