Landlords are being urged to start preparing now for the introduction of the Decent Homes Standard, which is set to apply to all private and social rented properties by 2035. With the detailed regulations still under development, early action is advised to avoid last-minute pressures and costly compliance issues.

Understanding the Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard will require landlords to ensure their properties meet specific criteria, including being in a reasonable state of repair and providing essential facilities. These core requirements cover having a kitchen with adequate space and layout, a suitably located bathroom and WC, and sufficient protection from external noise.

Compare My Move, a conveyancing firm, highlights the importance of landlords familiarising themselves with these forthcoming standards well before the 2035 deadline. The firm points out that while the Renters’ Rights Act has already become law, the detailed guidance and regulations supporting the Decent Homes Standard are still being finalised.

Challenges for Landlords Ahead

Dave Sayce, co-founder of Compare My Move, explains that many landlords face uncertainty due to the incomplete practical checklist for compliance. “They can see the direction of travel, with the standard expected to focus on hazards, repair, core facilities, thermal comfort, damp and mould, but they don’t yet have a complete practical checklist for every property type or compliance scenario. That uncertainty makes it harder to plan, especially for landlords managing older homes or larger portfolios,” he said.

He emphasises that landlords should not delay action until the regulations are fully in force. Instead, they should assess the current condition of their properties to identify and prioritise necessary repairs and improvements.

Practical Steps for Landlords

One recommended approach is to commission a RICS Level 3 Survey, which provides a detailed assessment of a property’s condition. This survey can identify issues such as damp, structural movement, roofing problems, window condition, heating, ventilation, and general repair needs.

“It won’t replace legal compliance advice, but it can give landlords clearer evidence to work from, helping them prioritise maintenance and plan improvements before future regulations come into force,” Mr Sayce advises.

Focus on Older Properties

Older properties, in particular, may present more challenges under the new standard. Mr Sayce notes that a Level 3 survey is especially useful for landlords with older homes or large portfolios that have not been inspected in detail for several years.

“It helps move the conversation from guesswork to evidence: what needs repairing, what could become a serious hazard, what might affect warmth or damp, what should be budgeted for first and if the property is even worth keeping as a rental property under the new act,” he explains.

He warns that waiting until the regulations are fully implemented could result in landlords facing higher costs, tighter deadlines, and increased pressure from tenants or local authorities.

What this means for landlords

The government has previously highlighted concerns about housing quality, noting that 21% of homes in the Private Rented Sector and 10% in the social rented sector currently fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard. This underscores the scale of the challenge landlords face in bringing properties up to the required standard.

Landlords should therefore view early property assessments and maintenance planning as essential steps to ensure compliance and protect their investments. Proactive management will also help maintain tenant satisfaction and reduce the risk of enforcement action.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/