Ensuring a ‘Decent Home’ — A Landlords Checklist
Use this 30-minute checklist to confirm your property meets the incoming Decent Homes expectations and existing safety rules. Keep it simple: note what you checked, what you fixed today, and what you’ll schedule with dates.
Checklist
Safety first
- Turn off the water supply if accessible (clockwise on the shut-off valve)
- If water is coming from another flat, alert your neighbour immediately
- Turn off electricity at the fuse board if water is near outlets or appliances
Notes / actions:
2. Contain the leak
- Use towels, buckets or containers to catch dripping water
- Move furniture, rugs and belongings out of harm’s way
- Protect electrics and wood floors where possible
Notes / actions:
3. Assess the situation
- Identify the source: pipe, tap, appliance, roof, gutter, neighbour, etc.
- Gauge severity — is it a slow drip or continuous flow?
- If unclear or inaccessible, wait for a professional
Notes / actions:
4. Report and record
- Contact your property manager / landlord / block manager immediately
- Provide exact location and visible details of the leak
- Take clear photos or short videos for records and insurance
- Keep a written log of actions and timing
Notes / actions:
5. While waiting for help
- Continue to contain water and ventilate the area
- Do not attempt complex repairs yourself
- Check adjoining areas (walls, ceilings below) for spreading moisture
Notes / actions:
6. After repair
- Confirm repair completed and water back on safely
- Monitor for residual damp, bubbling paint, or odours
- Keep all records and photos for insurance or management follow-up
Notes / actions:
Useful links
- UK Government – The new Decent Homes Standard (policy statement, 28 Jan 2026)
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-a-reformed-decent-homes-standard-for-social-and-privately-rented-homes/outcome/the-new-decent-homes-standard-policy-statement - UK Government – Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector (consultation page)
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-decent-homes-standard-in-the-private-rented-sector-consultation/a-decent-homes-standard-in-the-private-rented-sector-consultation - UK Government – Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) guidance collection
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/housing-health-and-safety-rating-system-hhsrs-guidance - UK Government – Private renting: repairs (who fixes what)
https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/repairs - UK Government – Electrical safety standards (EICR guidance, updated 1 Nov 2025)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-and-social-rented-sectors-guidance/electrical-safety-standards-in-the-private-and-social-rented-sectors-guidance - UK Government – Smoke & carbon monoxide alarms: landlord Q&A (England)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords/the-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-england-regulations-2015-qa-booklet-for-the-private-rented-sector-landlords-and-tenants - HSE – Gas safety: landlord duties (official guidance)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/faqlandlord.htm - UK Government – Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) for domestic private rented property (EPC rules)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance
Need a hand?
- M2 can coordinate emergency plumbing response, document the damage, and manage insurance claims or building repairs on your behalf.
- Contact M2 Property to limit disruption, reduce costs, and restore your building quickly.