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?

Part 1 tenancy reforms took effect in England on 1 May 2026. The Act also provides for a private-rented-sector Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law requirements. The government’s January 2026 policy statement says the new Decent Homes Standard will apply from 2035; check current regulations for the timing and detail of private-sector Awaab’s Law requirements.

What is Awaab’s Law?

Current Awaab’s Law regulations require English social landlords to investigate and remedy prescribed hazards within set timeframes. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 provides for a future private-rented-sector extension, whose commencement and detailed requirements remain pending.

What are HHSRS Category 1 hazards?

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System assesses 21 hazards under the 2026 guidance. "Category 1" is its most serious band. Excess cold, damp and mould, falls, fire and electrical safety may be relevant, but a category depends on the statutory assessment for the dwelling and the vulnerable occupier. Under the existing Decent Homes Standard, a Category 1 hazard means the home is not decent; local authorities have a duty to take the appropriate enforcement action.

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 readiness: the Decent Homes Standard planned for PRS from 2035 plus future Awaab's Law requirements. Get a screening score, an action list and a PDF.

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

Priority review 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)

Preparation for the Decent Homes Standard planned for private rented homes from 2035 and for future Awaab’s Law requirements, whose detailed timing should be checked in current regulations.

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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.
Reviewed 31 July 2026: New Decent Homes Standard policy statement and HHSRS 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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