What is the Decent Homes Standard?

The Decent Homes Standard is a minimum standard for housing. To be "decent" a home must: (A) be free of Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS); (B) be in a reasonable state of repair; (C) have reasonably modern facilities and services; and (D) provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. It has applied to social housing and, under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, is being extended to the private rented sector.

How does the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 affect landlords?

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (Royal Assent 27 October 2025) abolishes Section 21 no-fault evictions, applies a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, and extends Awaab’s Law - the duty to investigate and fix hazards such as damp and mould within fixed timescales - to private tenancies. Main provisions are expected to commence from 2026, so landlords and agents should assess readiness now.

What is Awaab’s Law?

Awaab’s Law requires landlords to investigate and remedy prescribed hazards - most prominently damp and mould - within set timescales after a tenant reports them. It began in social housing and is being extended to the private rented sector under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Failure to act within the timescales can expose a landlord to enforcement and claims.

What are HHSRS Category 1 hazards?

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System scores 29 potential hazards; the most serious score band is "Category 1". Common Category 1 hazards in rented homes are excess cold, damp and mould growth, falls, fire, and electrical safety. A Category 1 hazard means the property fails the Decent Homes Standard and the local authority has a duty to act.

Is this checker a legal assessment?

No. It is a readiness and screening aid to help landlords, agents and inspectors gauge how close a property is to the Decent Homes Standard and the incoming Renters’ Rights Act 2025 duties. It is not legal advice and not a substitute for a formal HHSRS assessment by a competent person or environmental health officer.

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Decent Homes & Renters' Rights Act 2025 Readiness Checker

Score a rented home against the Decent Homes Standard, HHSRS Category 1 hazards and the incoming Renters' Rights Act 2025 duties (PRS Decent Homes + Awaab's Law). Get a readiness score, a remedial action list and a PDF.

Decent Homes StandardRenters’ Rights Act 2025Awaab’s LawHHSRSFree to use

Not compliant — serious items outstanding

0 of 18 criteria met · 6 serious item(s) outstanding.

A. Free from serious (HHSRS Category 1) hazards

The statutory minimum: a dwelling must be free of Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (Housing Act 2004).

B. Reasonable state of repair

Key building components must not be old AND in poor condition.

C. Reasonably modern facilities and services

Kitchens and bathrooms of a reasonable age and layout, with adequate services.

D. Reasonable degree of thermal comfort

Efficient heating together with effective insulation.

E. Renters’ Rights Act 2025 readiness (incoming PRS duties)

New duties for the private rented sector: a Decent Homes Standard for the PRS and Awaab’s Law extended to private tenancies (main provisions expected from 2026).

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Understanding the standard

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This readiness checker is a screening aid for landlords, agents and inspectors. It is not legal advice and not a substitute for a formal HHSRS assessment by a competent person or a local-authority environmental health officer. Decent Homes criteria and the Renters' Rights Act 2025 provisions are summarised; always verify against the current legislation and statutory guidance.

Decent Homes Standard for private rentals (guide) → Ventilation Rate Calculator (Part F) → Crack Damage Categoriser (BRE 251) →

Inspect to the Decent Homes Standard, on-site.

PropertySurvey Pro logs HHSRS hazards, damp & mould and repairs with photos against the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law, then outputs a branded PDF before you leave the property.

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