Propertymark has welcomed the UK Government’s response to the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) consultation saying ministers have taken a more pragmatic approach that better reflects the realities of the private rented sector.
The Government has confirmed that the Decent Homes Standard will be enforced from 2035, giving landlords and agents time to plan and deliver proportionate improvements.
While Propertymark had called for enforcement from 2037 it said the extended lead-in period should allow the vast majority of landlords to comply.
Under the proposals, privately rented homes will need to meet five core criteria covering safety, repair, facilities, energy efficiency, and damp and mould.
CATEGORY 1 HAZARDS
Propertymark supported the focus on removing Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, alongside clearer expectations around reasonable standards of repair for key components such as roofs, heating systems, electrics and windows. It said homes should be safe, well maintained and fit for modern living.
Propertymark also welcomed the decision to drop proposals to mandate the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms based purely on age, as well as the removal of requirements around enhanced security measures and floor coverings. Propertymark said these measures were not evidence-based and failed to reflect the existing condition of most privately rented homes.
HEATING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The trade body also backed the Government’s approach to heating and energy efficiency, including the requirement for a controllable primary heating system in every room and alignment with existing Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).
Importantly, the Government confirmed a number of exemptions that Propertymark had called for, including where tenants do not provide access, where MEES exemptions apply, and where physical or planning constraints make works impossible. These exemptions were not included in the original consultation and were described by Propertymark as a significant step forward.
However, the organisation said further clarity is needed for some older properties that may not be able to accommodate window restrictors, and whether these would fall under the physical and planning constraints exemption.
AWAAB’S LAW
On damp and mould, Propertymark supported the emphasis on proactive management and clearer expectations ahead of the extension of Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector.
It added that tenants should also play a role in preventing damp and mould, except in the most serious cases.
Propertymark stressed that enforcement must be consistent and proportionate across all local authorities to avoid regional disparities and called for clear guidance to support landlords and agents.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Timothy Douglas (main picture, inset), head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, says: “Propertymark has consulted widely with its members and is clear that the majority of homes they manage are already largely compliant with the new Decent Homes Standard. We welcome the 2035 enforcement date, which gives landlords and agents sufficient time to make any small, proportionate improvements needed to comply.
“We are pleased the UK Government has listened to the sector by dropping age-based replacement requirements for kitchens and bathrooms, and by removing measures where the private rented sector is already compliant.
“We also strongly welcome the inclusion of key exemptions around access, MEES, and physical constraints, which Propertymark specifically called for.
“As guidance is finalised, it must be clear, practical and applied consistently by all local authorities to support agents, landlords and tenants alike.”
