Government urges landlords to improve rental homes before 2035

The UK government has made clear that private landlords should not wait until the 2035 deadline to meet the Decent Homes Standard, but instead take immediate action to improve the condition of their rental properties. The Decent Homes Standard sets out criteria that homes must meet, including being in a reasonable state of repair and providing essential facilities such as a suitably sized kitchen, appropriately located bathroom and WC, and adequate protection from external noise.

Key requirements of the Decent Homes Standard

According to government guidance, rental properties must also be fitted with child-resistant window restrictors and offer a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. These measures aim to enhance tenant safety and wellbeing, ensuring homes are both secure and energy efficient.

Parliamentary question highlights urgency

Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft raised a written question on 24 February 2026, asking whether the government had considered accelerating the implementation of the Decent Homes Standard to improve maintenance practices in privately rented properties. In response, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed that while landlords have until 2035 to fully comply, they should not delay addressing any issues of non-decency.

He stated: “Private rented sector landlords should address non-decency wherever it exists. While we are giving landlords until 2035 to implement our new Decent Homes Standard, we have made clear they should not wait until 2035 to improve their properties.”

Additional government measures to support housing quality

The government is also introducing other initiatives to ensure private tenants live in safe and warm homes. These include new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for the private rented sector, enhanced local authority enforcement powers to tackle unremedied hazards, and the application of Awaab’s Law through provisions in the Renters’ Rights Act. These measures collectively aim to raise standards and protect tenants across the sector.

Current state of rental housing quality

Previously, the government acknowledged that a significant proportion of tenants live in poor-quality housing. Statistics show that 21% of homes in the private rented sector and 10% of social rented homes currently fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard. This underlines the importance of landlords taking proactive steps to improve their properties well before the 2035 deadline.

What this means for landlords

For UK landlords, the message is clear: waiting until 2035 to upgrade rental properties is not advisable. Addressing repairs and safety concerns promptly can reduce enforcement risks and improve tenant satisfaction. Compliance with the Decent Homes Standard and related regulations should be viewed as an ongoing responsibility rather than a distant target. Staying ahead of these requirements will also help landlords adapt to evolving regulations on energy efficiency and tenant rights.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Decent Homes Standard
• private rented sector
• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards
• local authority enforcement
• Awaab’s Law
• Renters’ Rights Act
• tenant safety
• rental property repairs
• thermal comfort in rental homes
• child-resistant window restrictors

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/