Landlords are facing uncertainty over how the Decent Homes Standard will be applied under the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is currently under review in the House of Lords Committee Stage.

The Decent Homes Standard, originally introduced in 2000 to improve social housing conditions, required that homes be free from serious hazards, be in a reasonable state of repair, have modern facilities, and provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort. However, just how this framework will translate into enforceable benchmarks for private rental properties under the new bill remains unclear.

This vagueness is raising concerns across the housing sector. Dave Sayce, co-founder of Compare My Move, noted that the interpretation of these standards appears to rely on the judgment of local authorities or the Secretary of State, potentially leading to inconsistent enforcement.

Sayce warns that the standards are mostly up to interpretation, such as ‘Adequate insulation’, ‘Suitable temperature’, or ‘Modern facilities’.  

He states “Leaving most of the Decent Homes Standard up to individual council discretion creates real challenges for landlords, especially those with large portfolios spread across different local authorities. 

“What one council considers ‘adequate insulation’ or a ‘reasonable state of repair’ might differ significantly from another’s interpretation. 

“This inconsistency can lead to uncertainty and confusion for landlords who are trying to remain compliant, but don’t have a clear, measurable checklist to follow.” 

As a result, he warns, some landlords may see compliance as too complex or costly to continue managing multiple properties, especially across different councils, prompting them to sell off properties. 

He said: “If that happens at scale, the number of available rental properties could shrink, driving up tenant demand and rental prices. 

“To avoid this, the Government could provide clear, consistent, and measurable national standards that all councils enforce in the same way. Landlords should be able to plan and maintain their properties with confidence – not guesswork.”

A recent survey by FCC Paragon claims that one in five rental properties need improvement to meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard. The survey shows that the figure is lower in London (11.6%) but increases to 31% in the North West and 27% in Yorkshire & Humber.