Government decision on floor coverings in Decent Homes Standard

The UK government has announced that floor coverings will not be mandatory under the new Decent Homes Standard, citing the need to balance housing quality improvements with cost pressures across existing social housing stock. This decision was confirmed by Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook in a written parliamentary response on 6 February 2026.

Context and current situation in social and private housing

Research by End Furniture Poverty highlights that over 1.2 million people in the UK live without floor coverings, with 66% of those residing in social housing. While private landlords are not legally required to provide carpets or specific floor coverings in every room, they must ensure flooring is safe and suitable under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This typically means providing secure wood, lino, or similar materials.

Balancing costs and housing supply priorities

Minister Pennycook explained that the government’s decision followed analysis of evidence and reflects the need to manage the costs of upgrading existing housing stock while also investing in increasing the supply of social and affordable homes. He stated: “Increasing supply will help move people, including many vulnerable children, out of unsuitable temporary accommodation.” This indicates a strategic prioritisation of expanding housing availability alongside maintaining quality standards.

Guidance and support for social housing landlords

Although floor coverings will not be a mandatory requirement, the government recognises that the absence of appropriate floor coverings can impact tenant safety, accessibility, and overall housing quality, especially for families with young children, older people, and disabled tenants. To address this, strengthened best practice guidance will be issued encouraging social housing landlords to retain good quality floor coverings between tenancies.

Additionally, a working group and pilot programme are being established with the housing sector to explore cost-effective ways to help tenants most in need access essential floor coverings and furnishings.

Decent Homes Standard requirements and timeline

All private and social homes will be required to meet the Decent Homes Standard by 2035. The standard sets out criteria including that homes must be in a reasonable state of repair and provide core facilities such as a kitchen with adequate space and layout, a suitably located bathroom and WC, and sufficient protection from external noise.

For landlords, this means ensuring properties comply with these core elements, while floor coverings remain a recommended but not compulsory feature under the standard.

What this means for landlords and agents

Private and social landlords should continue to provide safe and suitable flooring as a minimum legal requirement. While carpets or other floor coverings are not mandatory under the Decent Homes Standard, landlords are encouraged to consider tenant safety and comfort, particularly for vulnerable groups, by maintaining or providing quality floor coverings where feasible.

Landlords should also stay informed about forthcoming government guidance and potential pilot schemes aimed at supporting tenants in need of essential furnishings.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Decent Homes Standard
• social housing landlords
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
• floor coverings in rental properties
• tenant safety and accessibility
• affordable housing supply
• housing quality improvements
• landlord responsibilities
• housing standards 2035
• best practice guidance for landlords

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/