The government has confirmed that all rental properties—both private and social—will be required to meet these new standards by 2035.
This announcement follows the recent confirmation that the Private Rented Sector (PRS) must reach EPC C energy efficiency targets by 2030. While 2035 provides a longer runway for the full DHS, the overlapping timelines mean that strategic portfolio planning is more important than ever.
What is the New “Decent” Checklist?
Under the new criteria, a property is considered “non-decent” if it fails on basic repair, safety, or modern facility standards. Key requirements include:
- Zero Tolerance for Damp and Mould: Properties are automatically non-decent if these issues are present and untreated.
- Safety Upgrades: Installation of child-resistant window restrictors is now a mandatory requirement.
- Thermal Comfort & MEES: Homes must provide a reasonable degree of warmth, aligning with the 2030 EPC C targets.
- Modern Facilities: Kitchens must have adequate space and a functional layout; bathrooms and WCs must be appropriately located.
- Noise Insulation: Properties must provide adequate protection from external noise.
A Note on the 2035 Deadline
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook noted that currently, 21% of private rentals do not meet the existing DHS. The government chose 2035 to give landlords a “proportionate” timeframe to balance the costs of these upgrades—especially alongside the 2030 energy targets—while ensuring housing supply isn’t disrupted.
The Enforcement Gap
While new standards are being set, there is a significant challenge which has been highlighted by Chartered Institute of Environmental Health: a lack of “boots on the ground” to enforce them fairly.
Data shows that in London, there are only an average of 2.46 environmental health officers (EHOs) for every 10,000 PRS dwellings, dropping to 2.2 in other metropolitan areas. Experts suggest a minimum of 5 EHOs per 10,000 properties is needed for effective regulation.
The industry sentiment is that “all the standards in the world mean nothing without robust enforcement.” It is important that local councils ensure they have the resources to target “rogue” landlords specifically.
We recommend reviewing your properties against the new criteria during your next scheduled maintenance visit.
We will aim to keep you up to date with any developments as and when we receive them.
Preparing for the changes
To help landlords prepare for these changes, EMPO will be hosting a Landlord Development Day on 5 March 2026, focused on practical guidance and compliance under the Renters’ Rights Act. The event will provide clear, hands-on support to help landlords understand what is changing, what action is required, and how to stay compliant.
As part of the session, we will be covering the new EPC C requirements, Aawab’s law, student tenancy changes and much more. The day is designed to give landlords confidence, clarity and practical tools to navigate the reforms effectively.