Share
The Decent Homes Standard (DHS) is not a new concept in the UK property market. It is currently being used in the social housing sector to set the minimum standard for social homes. Through this program, the government elevates housing conditions to provide social tenants with adequate homes that are safe and comfortable.
The private rental sector is set to adopt this standard once the Renters’ Rights Bill passes into law. The bill provides clear guidelines for landlords to upgrade their properties and meet the minimum standard followed by social homes. This is meant to eliminate any confusion and maintain quality housing across the private rental market.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the Decent Homes Standard, specifically what it means for tenants and how landlords can comply with the new legal benchmark.
About the Decent Homes Standard
The Decent Homes Standard discussed in the Renters’ Rights Bill sets a clear framework for landlords in the private rental sector. It ensures every private home meets certain criteria where the well-being of tenants will not be compromised.
There are 4 important DHS benchmarks that landlords should pay attention to.
Hazard-free
Private rental properties must be free from anything that would cause harm to tenants. These include dampness and mould that can cause respiratory issues and damage to the property’s structure and furniture. It can also include faulty wiring and appliances. These will have to be replaced immediately to ensure they won’t cause electrical fires. It can even be structural hazards like unstable stairs, loose roof shingles, broken doors and windows, etc.
Make sure these hazards are eliminated from rental properties to keep tenants safe and protected.
Great state of repair
The Decent Homes Standard also requires private rental properties to be in a good state of repair. Damaged roofs, doors or windows should be repaired immediately. If there are broken fixtures like damaged heating systems and plumbing or faulty faucets, clogged drains and sinks, all these should be repaired or replaced.
Have someone on speed dial who can do the repairs immediately. Schedule regular maintenance to stay proactive against these repairs. You can save more on repair costs if you can catch them before they get worse.
Updated facilities and services
Update essential amenities like kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens, in particular, should not be older than 20 years. It should be spacious enough to allow movement during food preparation and should have enough fixtures and appliances for making a basic meal.
Bathrooms should be checked regularly to ensure the plumbing, toilet, shower, sink and drainage are working well. Ensure there’s adequate ventilation to keep mould from building up.
Sufficient heating and insulation
Properties should have effective heating systems and enough insulation to keep tenants warm and comfortable. Update boilers or make sure the current ones are functioning well. Check the windows and walls to ensure can still trap heat properly.
When it comes to heating and insulation, opt for energy-efficient options. This will not only leave a positive impact on the environment, it’ll also lower electric bills.
How the DHS Empowers Tenants
The DHS codifies the minimum standards by which landlords should comply with. If they don’t meet the baseline for housing quality, tenants are empowered to address these issues.
The Renters’ Rights Bill defines the tools tenants can use to address any substandard housing problems. One is having the local council intervene. Tenants can report issues and the local council can investigate and enforce measures that will force property owners to improve the housing situation. This direct pathway will effectively address the problem without long legal disputes.
Another option is through rent repayment orders. The tenant or local council can reclaim the rent paid for the months the landlord did not comply with the DHS.
Finally, there’s also the option to escalate the issues to the First-tier Tribunal in case disputes remain unresolved. This will encourage landlords to act swiftly to comply with the DHS.
Tips for Landlords to Comply with the DHS
As a property owner or landlord, how can you comply with the DHS?
For now, the bill has yet to pass into law. But that doesn’t mean you should be compliant. It’s prudent to start reviewing how the DHS will affect your properties. Remember, the framework of the DHS is meant to ensure uniformity and accountability across the private rental market. Failing to comply would lead to fees and maybe even a legal dispute.
Steps to comply with DHS
The first thing you have to do is to conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Take note of areas that need repair or updating. You should also identify any issues that may just be starting. It’s best to be proactive so you’re not caught off guard. You should also schedule regular inspections and keep documenting your findings. This way, you’ll know when you last replaced or repaired certain areas within and around the property.
The second is to invest in modernising your rental property. Outdated kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems should be remodelled and upgraded. If certain appliances need replacement, choose the energy-efficient ones. Consider this an investment because it won’t just help you comply with the DHS. It will also increase the value of the property.
The third is to slowly make the property hazard-free. Go through the list you made while you were inspecting the property. Get an expert to help you remove anything that would compromise the health of tenants and the property’s structure. This includes moulds, faulty electrical systems, etc.
Speaking of experts, the fourth thing you must do is collaborate with licensed contractors and tradespeople to comply with the DHS. You can also consult property managers or legal advisors for guidance. They can help make sure you’re not missing out on anything.
Finally, the fifth thing to do is to establish clear communication with the tenant. Encourage them to report issues promptly. This will allow you to address the concerns before they escalate into penalties or legal disputes.
Effects of non-compliance
What will happen if you fail to comply with the Decent Homes Standard?
If the tenant reports you to the local council and they find you at fault after proper investigation, you will be given an improvement notice. This serves as a mandate to inform you of repairs that need to be done and the specific timeframe it has to be accomplished.
There will also be fines involved if you fail to meet the minimum standard. These penalties can reach up to £7,000. The tenant can also demand rent repayment orders where you’ll have to return the rent paid during the times you weren’t complying with the DHS.
You can also be prosecuted if you have repeatedly violated the rules. Consider this a criminal prosecution so you have to take this seriously if you want to avoid having a legal record.
A New Era for the Private Rental Sector
The Decent Homes Standard is set to bring significant changes to the private rental sector. While this provision in the Renters’ Rights Bill seems one-sided, it’s not entirely unjustified. As a landlord, you do have the responsibility to provide tenants with a safe and comfortable home. In this day and age, that means putting modern, innovative and even smart technology on the property. It’s also about making sure the property is clean and sanitised so it won’t compromise the health of your tenants.
Embracing these changes is not a bad thing because it can also improve the value of your property. The DHS will set clear expectations and will also give you the chance to stay competitive in the private rental market.
If you need assistance in complying with all the rules and regulations surrounding the private rental sector, contact City Relay. We can help you elevate the standards of your property and strengthen tenant relationships.
