According to recent statistics as per the Governments English Housing Survey 2020-2021, it seems that a quarter of the rented homes in England are not meeting the Decent Homes Standard. In 2020 as high as 15% of the homes in England did not meet the requirements.
For a home to be considered decent there must be:
- No category 1 hazards under the housing health and safety system
- The homes must be in a reasonable state of repair
- Have modern facilities and services
- Be considered reasonably warm
The decent homes standard is currently mandatory for social housing only. However, the government has highlighted in their Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper introducing a this standard for private rental homes.
Decent Homes Standard Consultation 2022
The consultation on decent homes standards launched in October 2022. Chiefly, it outlines details on how private rental properties can meet minimum standard and enforcement methods for this minimum standard. Also, the consultation looks at placing responsibility on the landlords to make sure properties meet this standard. At this time, the results of the consultation have not been released.
English Housing Survey
The English Housing Survey found that 13% of private rental homes had a category 1 hazard. This would consist of excess cold or heat, as well as dampness or overcrowding.
The survey also looked at energy efficiency in homes and found the proportion of homes with EPC rating A to C increased by 32% from 2010 to 2020. As of 2018, it is required for homes to have an EPC rating of E or above. But the government is considering increasing this to a minimum standard of a C rating.
Takeaways:
Landlords should review their property portfolios and start to consider the above. Consequently, any properties not meeting the decent homes standard explained should be reviewed. They’ll need to conduct any necessary repairs and ensure this standard is met.
If you are unsure or require further assistance on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact Woodstock Legal Services. Our landlord and tenant team would be happy to assist.
– BY SHARFAA KERKACHE
