Government Response to the Decent Homes Standard
The Government’s response to the consultation on a reformed Decent Homes Standard signals a clear intention to raise the minimum quality of rented homes across England and, for the first time, to apply the same basic standard to both social housing and the private rented sector.
In straightforward terms, the Government is saying that every rented home should be safe, warm, in good repair, and free from serious hazards such as damp and mould, regardless of who the landlord is.
What is changing?
Until now, the Decent Homes Standard has only applied to social housing. The Government has confirmed that it will be extended to the private rented sector as part of wider housing reform.
This means private landlords will be expected to meet a defined quality benchmark that has previously only applied to councils and housing associations.
New Year, New Start, New Law
From 5th January 2026 to 30 April 2026 landlords, letting agents, law firms, local authorities, government departments, suppliers and PropTech firms across England will have 16 weeks and 4 days to ensure full operational, legal, and procedural readiness for the Renters’ Rights Act.
The Act represents one of the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in a generation and it will reshape the relationship between landlords, agents, tenants, and local authorities, introducing enhanced enforcement powers, stricter compliance expectations, and far greater scrutiny of day-to-day management practices.
Reflect, Review and Prepare
As phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 approaches in 2026, the last 12 months have been defined by evolving change.
The last 14 months have shown the sector is no longer simply about providing property, accountability, resilience, strategic planning and the ability to adapt will take centre stage. and letting agents, landlords, solicitors, suppliers and other stakeholders who have embraced these changes are moving forward with confidence.
A Landscape Defined by Reform
Regulatory change is reshaping the private rented sector, with emphasis on property standards, compliance, licensing, transparency and more protection for tenants. Expectations are higher and local authorities have been given enforcement powers the industry has never expreienced before .