Renters' Rights Act 2025: Phase 3

In a future phase of implementation, the Government intends to introduce the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) to the private rented sector for the first time. Details of the final requirements and implementation arrangements will be set out through legislation and associated regulations.

The Government's January 2026 policy statement indicates that the future Decent Homes Standard is expected to include the following requirements. The final legal requirements will be confirmed through legislation.

A - A home must be free of the most dangerous hazards

To meet this criterion, properties must be free of category 1 hazards as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

Guidance for landlords on hazards as assessed under the HHSRS - GOV.UK

B - A home must be in a reasonable state of repair

Homes will fail against this criterion if:

• One or more key building components is not in a reasonable state of repair or
• Two or more other building components are not in a reasonable state of repair.

C - A home must provide core facilities and services

Flats must provide at least three of the following facilities:

• A kitchen with adequate space and layout
• An appropriately located bathroom and WC
• Adequate external noise insulation
• Adequate size and layout of common entrance areas for blocks of flats

Houses must provide at least two of the following facilities:

• A kitchen with adequate space and layout
• An appropriately located bathroom and WC
• Adequate external noise insulation

Homes must also be equipped with child-resistant window restrictors, which can be overridden by an adult, on all windows which present a fall risk for children.

D - A home must provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort

The Government's Warm Homes Plan sets out its intention to introduce a higher minimum energy efficiency standard for privately rented properties. The Government has stated that it intends privately rented homes to achieve EPC Band C against two metrics by October 2030, subject to the introduction of the necessary legislation and exemption provisions.

Warm Homes Plan (HTML) - GOV.UK

Current legislation requires that private rented properties have an EPC of E or valid exemption.

E - A home should be free of damp and mould

The Government has indicated that the new Decent Homes Standard is intended to be introduced in stages. Landlords should nevertheless begin considering what improvements may be required including the following:

• Inspect properties and fix hazards
• Budget for repairs
• Respond quickly to repair requests
• Ensure you have a clear process in place for communicating with your tenants.
• Ensure your tenants know how to contact you should they have a problem.

Awaab’s Law

It is proposed to extend Awaab’s Law to the PRS, setting clear legally enforceable timeframes within which PRS landlords must make homes safe where they contain serious hazards. This will empower tenants to challenge dangerous conditions in their homes. The government will consult on the details of this policy, including implementation timescales, in due course.

Guide to the Renters’ Rights Act - GOV.UK