Meeting the Decent Homes Standard
What's changing?
For the first time, private landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring properties are:
- Safe and well-maintained
- Free from serious hazards (such as damp, faulty wiring, or poor insulation)
- Fit for human habitation
- Meet Awaab’s Law which will be extended to the private rented sector, requiring landlords to address damp and mould and serious issues within set timescales.
How to prepare
- Conduct an inspection, either yourself or with a professional, to identify and fix potential hazards
- Budget for necessary repairs, as non-compliance could lead to fines
- Respond to tenant repair requests promptly, ensuring you meet the new legal timeframes
- Ensure you have a clear process in place for communicating with your tenants.
- Ensure your tenants know how to contact you should they have a problem.
- Make clear plans for when you go on holiday or have any unexpected absences i.e. sickness.