Decent Homes Standard Reform Must Balance Quality and Supply

Propertymark has issued a warning that reforms to the UK government’s Decent Homes Standard must raise housing standards without reducing the supply of private rented sector (PRS) homes. The organisation emphasises that any changes should incentivise landlords to invest in property improvements rather than create further uncertainty that could discourage investment.

This caution follows criticism from the Regulatory Policy Committee, which described the government’s impact assessment of the Decent Homes Standard as “not fit for purpose.” The government has committed to requiring all private rented and social housing to meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2035, but Propertymark stresses the need for a balanced approach to avoid unintended consequences.

Protecting the Private Rented Sector Supply

The government’s target to have all rented homes meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2035 is ambitious, but Propertymark highlights the importance of delivering this goal without shrinking the PRS. The sector currently houses millions of households and plays a vital role in meeting housing demand across the UK.

Propertymark states: “Improving housing quality and maintaining supply are not mutually exclusive goals, but they require careful policy design. Reform must be balanced with measures that support and incentivise landlords to invest in improvements and avoid creating further uncertainty.”

The organisation also points out the need for welfare support to keep pace with rising rents, ensuring that vulnerable and welfare-dependent tenants continue to have access to sustainable private rented homes.

Avoiding Additional Regulatory Burdens

Propertymark warns that the new Decent Homes Standard must be clear and workable, avoiding becoming another complex regulatory burden for landlords. The PRS is already subject to extensive legislation, with statutory provisions for private landlords increasing significantly over the past decade.

However, Propertymark notes that complexity does not necessarily improve housing quality. Enforcement of existing standards has been limited, with relatively low levels of inspections and action against non-compliant landlords.

The organisation highlights a core issue: “Introducing or revising standards such as the DHS will have limited impact if local authorities lack the resources to enforce them. More funding is needed for local authority enforcement teams, and there must be greater transparency around inspections and outcomes.”

Without these enforcement improvements, new Decent Homes Standard requirements risk adding to landlords’ regulatory burdens without effectively addressing the minority of substandard properties that harm the sector’s reputation.

Role of Letting Agent Regulation in Raising Standards

Alongside better enforcement, Propertymark stresses that regulating letting agents is key to improving housing quality and helping landlords understand their obligations under the Decent Homes Standard.

“One of the most effective ways to improve housing quality is to ensure that those managing property are competent, qualified and accountable,” the organisation explains. “Qualified and regulated agents are far better placed to advise landlords on meeting standards, carry out proactive inspections, and resolve issues before they escalate.”

Currently, the lack of minimum standards for letting agents leads to inconsistent service levels and exposes consumers to poor practices. Propertymark has proposed a new regulatory framework that includes minimum qualification requirements, a statutory Code of Practice, mandatory Continuing Professional Development, and an independent regulator with enforcement powers.

What This Means for Landlords

UK landlords should expect the Decent Homes Standard to become a key compliance requirement by 2035, but must also be aware of the potential for increased regulatory complexity. Propertymark’s call for balanced reform suggests that landlords who invest proactively in property improvements and engage with qualified letting agents will be better positioned to meet future standards.

Landlords should also monitor developments in welfare support policies, as these will affect the affordability and sustainability of tenancies for vulnerable tenants in the PRS.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Decent Homes Standard
• private rented sector
• landlord investment
• housing quality
• regulatory burden
• local authority enforcement
• letting agent regulation
• tenant welfare support
• housing standards compliance
• property management

TLA update

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