Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard (DHS) is a government framework created to ensure that rented homes are safe, comfortable, and properly maintained. Originally introduced in 2004 and last updated in 2006, the standard has so far applied only to the social housing sector, setting out the minimum conditions that social landlords must meet.

The DHS focuses on key aspects of housing quality, including:

• the overall state of repair,

• the condition and modernity of kitchens and bathrooms,

• effective heating and insulation to provide thermal comfort, and

• the absence of serious health and safety hazards.

To help maintain quality over time, the standard also requires landlords to replace and upgrade essential facilities, such as kitchens and bathrooms, after a set number of years.

Now, the Government is preparing to extend and update the DHS so that it applies not only to social housing but also to the private rented sector. This expansion marks a significant change in housing policy, aiming to raise standards across the wider rental market.