What the Decent Homes Standard Means for Harrow Landlords

At Rawlinson Gold Harrow, we are committed to keeping our landlords well-informed and well prepared. A recent analysis by property technology specialists Inventory Base has found that more than one in five privately rented homes in England do not meet the Decent Homes Standard. Once the Renters Rights Bill comes into force, expected this autumn, those properties will no longer be legal to let.
The Decent Homes Standard has long been used to measure the quality of social housing, setting clear minimum requirements for living conditions. Under the new legislation, this same standard will apply to privately rented homes, placing new responsibilities on landlords.
The government’s current proposal allows until 2035 or 2037 for full compliance, giving time to make improvements. However, changes aimed at increasing energy efficiency, under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, must be in place by 2030.
According to Inventory Base, around 3.78 million homes across England currently fall below the Decent Homes Standard — nearly 15% of the housing stock. Social housing still has some catching up to do, with more than 10% of properties not meeting the requirement. In the private sector, the shortfall is slightly higher, but it is in the private rented market that the challenge is greatest. 21%of properties, over one million homes, will need upgrades to remain lettable.
For landlords, this is a serious consideration. Making the necessary improvements can be both time-consuming and costly, and the risk of waiting until the deadline is that the work becomes more challenging and more expensive. Our advice is to assess your portfolio now, identify any issues, and plan your upgrades well in advance. Regular property inspections and proactive maintenance will make the process far smoother.
By taking action early, landlords can avoid last-minute pressures, protect their investments, and ensure their tenants enjoy homes that meet the expected standards. At Rawlinson Gold Harrow, we are here to help you navigate these changes with confidence and clarity.
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