Decent Homes Standard: what ‘decent’ means and how to get ready

The Decent Homes Standard is moving into the private rented sector. Royal Assent for the Renters’ Rights Act was granted on 27 October 2025; the first tenancy changes start on 1 May 2026, and Decent Homes measures for the private rental sector (PRS) will roll out in stages from late 2026 via secondary legislation. This guide explains what “decent” means in practice and the simple steps to get your property ready on time.

What “Decent Homes” means

A decent home is safe, warm, dry and functional. In practice, that boils down to four things:

No serious hazards (think damp and mould, unsafe electrics, fire risks)
Reasonable repair (roof, windows, doors, walls, plumbing)
Modern, usable facilities (typically kitchens around 20 years, bathrooms around 30)
Effective heating and ventilation, with energy performance meeting the current minimum rules

Let’s break this down

No serious hazards
Expect firmer expectations around damp and mould, fire safety and electrics, building on the existing HHSRS framework and bringing clearer timeframes to fix serious hazards. Keep alarms working, electrics safe, and damp properly investigated and remedied.

Periodic tenancies and annual rent reviews still apply
From 1 May 2026 most new and renewing tenancies are rolling by default, with one rent review per year and Section 21 abolished. Decent Homes arrives alongside these changes, not instead of them.

Joined-up compliance
Decency sits next to rules you already know: an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every five years, smoke and CO alarms in the right places, and EPC minimums for PRS. Keep certificates current and in one place.

Key dates

27 Oct 2025: Renters’ Rights Act receives Royal Assent.
From 1 May 2026: core tenancy changes go live (rolling agreements, one rent review a year, Section 21 ends).
From late 2026: Decent Homes for PRS is phased in via secondary legislation; detailed start dates will be confirmed by the government.

How to be ready

Refresh your paperwork
Use a periodic (rolling) template so the tenancy runs month to month. Keep the language plain: how to report repairs, how access and inspections work, how the annual review happens, and how either party can end the tenancy.

Run a Decent Homes sweep now
Do one room-by-room lap and record three things per issue: status, what you fixed today, what’s next with a date. Focus on warmth and ventilation, damp and mould, alarms, safe electrics, usable kitchens/bathrooms, and secure windows/doors. File photos. (Use our checklist.)

Close the known compliance items
Check your EICR is in date and remedials signed off; confirm smoke and CO alarms meet current guidance; make sure your EPC meets the PRS minimum.

Assemble a one-page property pack
Save EPC, Gas Safety, EICR, any licence, deposit scheme details, emergency contacts, and your latest sweep. It speeds up renewals, registration and any council query.

Plan upgrades instead of firefighting
If you find recurring damp, failed extractor runs, tired kitchen carcasses or leaky seals, schedule fixes through the year. Cheaper than scrambling after an enforcement letter.

Need a hand?

If you’d like us to help, get in touch. We’ll switch your agreement to a rolling format, set one annual rent-review month with the right evidence, run a quick Decent Homes sweep with a punch-list and quotes, and assemble your one-page property pack — so you stay compliant and your property runs smoothly.

Still have questions?

What is changing with the new Renters’ Rights Act, and how is M2 ensuring compliance for landlords?

We keep documents and processes aligned to current law and update landlords ahead of changes. From 1 May 2026 we’ll use periodic agreements, the formal once-a-year rent review process, and clear evidence for any “with-reason” possession route. We’ll also prepare property packs for the PRS register and Ombudsman.

What safety and compliance checks are required for rentals (GSC, EICR, etc.) and does M2 arrange them?

Yes. We arrange gas safety, electrical checks (EICR), smoke/CO alarms and other required compliance, and keep records up to date in your property pack.

What is M2’s policy on tenancy renewals and rent reviews?

We recommend options, agree terms with you, and issue documents for signature. From May 2026 we set one annual review month and follow the formal notice process, supported by local rental evidence.

Can M2 advise on the legal repossession process, especially now that ‘no-fault’ evictions under Section 21 have been abolished?

We’ll outline your options under the “with-reason” route and ensure your documentation is in order. Where legal action is needed, we’ll signpost specialist solicitors and coordinate the handover.

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