Floor coverings will not be mandatory under Decent Homes Standard

The government has confirmed floor coverings will not be mandatory under the Decent Homes Standard due to cost pressures.

Many social homes do not come with floor coverings, with research by End Furniture Poverty showing more than 1.2 million people in the UK live without floor coverings, with 66% of those affected living in social housing.

For private landlords, they are not strictly required by law to provide carpets or specific floor coverings in all rooms, but they must provide safe, suitable flooring (such as secure wood or lino) under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

Need to balance costs

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said in answer to a written question about floor coverings that the government’s decision was based on balancing improvements to housing quality with managing costs across existing housing stock.

He said: “Following analysis of the evidence received, we decided that floor coverings should not be included as a mandatory requirement within the new Decent Homes Standard.

“This reflects the need to balance the costs of improving existing stock with the investment required to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, alongside the wider projected costs of delivering the new standard. Increasing supply will help move people, including many vulnerable children, out of unsuitable temporary accommodation.”

Best practice guidance for social housing landlords

Mr Pennycook adds: “Recognising that the absence of appropriate floor coverings can affect tenant safety, accessibility and overall housing quality, particularly for families with young children, older people and disabled tenants, the government intend to issue strengthened best practice guidance encouraging social housing landlords to retain good quality floor coverings between tenancies.

“We are also establishing a working group and pilot with the sector to identify cost-effective ways for tenants most in need to access essential floor coverings and wider furnishings.”

The government has confirmed all private and social homes will need to meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2035.

Under the new standard, landlords will need to meet certain criteria, including that homes must be in a reasonable state of repair and provide core facilities and services, including a kitchen with adequate space and layout, an appropriately located bathroom and WC, and adequate protection from external noise.