The quality of rental accommodation is becoming an increasingly important focus for the private rented sector. With the introduction of the new Decent Homes Standard planned for 2035, private landlords have time to review their properties. Then plan improvements and make sure their homes are properly maintained.
Although 2035 may seem a long way off, leaving every improvement until the deadline could mean facing significant costs in a short period. Taking a proactive approach now can help landlords spread the expense, protect their investment and provide tenants with a better standard of accommodation.
We understand that keeping up with changing legislation can feel complicated. Working with an experienced letting agent can help landlords stay informed, identify maintenance issues and plan for the future with greater confidence.
What is the Decent Homes Standard?
The government has confirmed plans to extend the Decent Homes Standard to privately rented properties in England for the first time. The new requirements are expected to apply from 2035.
The aim is to ensure that rented homes are safe, in a reasonable state of repair, suitable for everyday living and warm enough to provide a comfortable environment for tenants.
The government’s January 2026 policy statement sets out five key criteria that properties will need to meet:
- Safety: Homes must be free from the most serious health and safety hazards.
- Condition and repair: Key building components, including roofs, walls, windows and heating systems, must be maintained in a reasonable state of repair.
- Essential facilities: Homes must meet requirements for core facilities, including suitable kitchen and bathroom arrangements, alongside relevant safety measures.
- Thermal comfort: Properties must provide a reasonable level of warmth, supported by suitable heating and energy-efficiency measures.
- Damp and mould: Landlords must address damp and mould problems and take a proactive approach to preventing them.
The standard is designed to establish a consistent baseline for the quality of rented accommodation. It is not simply about whether a property looks presentable. It also considers the safety, condition and functionality of the home.
You can read the full details in the government’s New Decent Homes Standard policy statement.
Why should private landlords start preparing now?
Although the new Decent Homes Standard is planned for 2035. Landlords should not assume they can put maintenance and improvements on hold until then.
Existing legal responsibilities remain in place, including obligations relating to property condition, hazards and fitness for habitation. Landlords should address a home that needs essential repairs now, rather than waiting for the new standard to come into force.
For landlords with older properties, or those that haven’t had a thorough review in some time, this is a good opportunity to assess the property’s condition and consider what work may be needed over the coming years.
Taking action early offers several potential benefits.
Spread the cost of improvements
Major repairs and property improvements can be expensive, particularly if several elements need attention at the same time.
A roof that needs replacing, an ageing heating system, inadequate ventilation and a kitchen nearing the end of its useful life can add up to a substantial bill.
By identifying these issues early, landlords can prioritise the work and plan their budgets over a longer period. Some improvements may be manageable individually, whereas delaying everything could leave several costly jobs needing attention at once.
A planned approach can also make it easier to obtain quotes, arrange contractors and schedule work at a suitable time.
Protect the long-term value of your property
Regular maintenance is an important part of protecting a rental investment.
Small issues can develop into more significant problems if they are left unresolved. A minor leak, for example, could eventually cause damage to ceilings, walls and flooring. Poor ventilation or an ineffective extractor fan could contribute to ongoing condensation and mould problems.
Addressing issues promptly helps prevent avoidable deterioration and can reduce the likelihood of more disruptive repairs later.
Keeping a property in good condition can also help it remain attractive to prospective tenants.
Provide a better experience for tenants
A well-maintained home is important for tenant comfort, safety and wellbeing.
Reliable heating, working facilities, secure windows and doors, and a property that is free from unresolved damp and mould problems all contribute to a better renting experience.
Good property maintenance can also support a positive relationship between landlord and tenant. When issues are reported and dealt with promptly, tenants know their concerns are being taken seriously.
This is particularly important as the private rented sector adjusts to the wider changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.
How can landlords prepare for the new standard?
You do not need to undertake every possible improvement immediately. A sensible starting point is to understand the current condition of your property. Identify any areas of concern and develop a realistic maintenance plan.
1. Review the condition of your property
Start by looking at the property as a whole rather than focusing only on visible decoration.
Consider the condition of the roof, external walls, windows, doors, kitchen, bathroom, heating system and electrical installations. Look for signs of water ingress, deterioration, damage or equipment that may need replacing.
If you have not reviewed the property recently, consider arranging a professional inspection or discussing its condition with your letting agent.
The aim is to identify existing problems and understand which improvements may be needed over time.
2. Pay particular attention to damp and mould
Damp and mould are an important part of the new standard, and landlords should already take reports of these problems seriously.
Where damp or mould is reported, it is important to investigate the underlying cause rather than simply treating the visible symptoms.
Problems may be associated with leaks, building defects, inadequate ventilation, ineffective heating or a combination of factors. Identifying the cause helps ensure that the appropriate work is carried out.
Landlords should also maintain suitable ventilation systems and deal with necessary repairs promptly. And keep a clear record of issues, inspections and remedial work which demonstrates that concerns have been addressed.
3. Check heating and energy efficiency
The new Decent Homes Standard includes thermal comfort, with energy-efficiency requirements being introduced on a separate timetable.
The government’s January 2026 policy statement sets out a requirement for private rented homes to achieve EPC C or an equivalent standard by 1 October 2030, subject to applicable exemptions and the detailed rules. The proposed approach uses reformed EPC metrics, so landlords should check the latest official guidance rather than assume that the current EPC rating alone determines compliance.
If your property has an older boiler, limited insulation or an inefficient heating system, it may be worth exploring potential improvements now.
Depending on the property, measures could include improving loft insulation, addressing draughts, upgrading heating controls or considering more substantial energy-efficiency work.
Not every improvement will be appropriate for every property, so it is worth assessing the options and costs before committing to major work.
4. Plan ahead for larger repairs
Some maintenance jobs are relatively straightforward, while others require significant investment.
If a roof, kitchen, bathroom or heating system is approaching the end of its useful life, consider whether replacement should be included in your longer-term budget.
You may be able to coordinate certain improvements, reducing disruption and avoiding the need to arrange separate jobs at short notice.
A planned programme of maintenance also gives you time to explore suitable contractors and understand the likely costs before work becomes urgent.
5. Keep records of maintenance and improvements
Good records can make managing a rental property much easier.
Keep copies of relevant inspection reports, safety certificates, contractor invoices, repair records and details of improvements. Make sure you know when routine checks or servicing are due and keep a record of issues reported by tenants and the action taken.
If you own more than one rental property, a clear record for each home can help you prioritise work and identify where investment may be needed.
Your letting agent may be able to help you keep track of maintenance, compliance documents and upcoming work as part of the service you have agreed.
How can your letting agent help?
Keeping a rental property in good condition involves more than responding when something breaks. It requires ongoing communication, sensible planning and a clear understanding of the landlord’s responsibilities.
A good letting agent can help landlords take a more organised approach to property maintenance.
At DDM Lettings, our fully managed service can support landlords with the day-to-day running of their rental properties, including coordinating repairs and maintenance, communicating with tenants and helping keep relevant records up to date.
Your agent can also help you understand which issues need attention, discuss potential improvements and plan work with appropriate contractors.
It is important to remember that using a letting agent does not automatically remove a landlord’s legal responsibilities. Landlords should understand what is covered by their management agreement and remain involved in decisions about significant repairs and expenditure.
Working together, however, can make it easier to keep the property in good condition and plan for changes in legislation.
If you are unsure whether your rental property may need improvements ahead of the new Decent Homes Standard, speaking to your letting agent is a useful first step.
How does the Decent Homes Standard relate to the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Decent Homes Standard is part of a wider programme of changes with the intention to improve the private rental sector.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduced significant changes to renting in England from 1 May 2026, including the end of Section 21 no-fault evictions and reforms to tenancy arrangements.
The Act also provides the legislative framework for applying the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes. The new standard will give tenants a clearer minimum expectation for the condition and quality of their accommodation.
For landlords, this means keeping up with changes to tenancy rules is only one part of managing a rental property. Maintaining safe, suitable accommodation and planning for future requirements are also important.
The two changes operate on different timescales. Landlords should follow the Renters’ Rights Act requirements that already apply while preparing for the Decent Homes Standard and the earlier energy-efficiency milestones.
Need help managing your rental property?
DDM Lettings works with landlords to manage their properties, coordinate maintenance and provide support with the practical responsibilities of letting.
If you would like to discuss your rental property or review your current management arrangements, get in touch with the DDM Lettings team.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Decent Homes Standard apply to private landlords?
The new standard is set to apply to private rental homes in England from 2035. Landlords must continue to meet their existing legal obligations before then.
Will every rental property need a new kitchen or bathroom?
Not necessarily. The standard sets requirements for the condition of homes and their essential facilities. Whether improvements are needed will depend on the property and its existing condition.
Do landlords need to wait until 2035 to improve their properties?
No. Landlords should address existing hazards and repair issues promptly. Planning other improvements early can also help spread costs and reduce the risk of expensive work building up.
Will a letting agent make sure my property complies automatically?
No. A letting agent can help with maintenance, records and property management, depending on the agreed service, but landlords remain responsible for understanding their legal obligations.
Where can landlords find the latest requirements?
The government’s Decent Homes Standard policy statement is the best starting point. Landlords should also check GOV.UK for further guidance as detailed regulations and implementation arrangements are published.
