The Government has confirmed the most significant shake‑up of rented housing standards in two decades, setting out new expectations for safety, warmth, energy performance and property condition. For landlords across both the social and private sectors, these reforms mark a decisive shift towards more proactive, preventative and modernised management of homes.

At the core of the reforms is a commitment to tougher action on damp and mould, stronger enforcement of repairs and higher energy‑efficiency requirements. The aim is clear: healthier homes for tenants and a more resilient, future‑proof housing stock.

Modernising the Decent Homes Standard

A key pillar of the reforms is the new, modernised Decent Homes Standard (DHS). For the first time, this standard will apply to both social and private rented homes from 2035.

The updated DHS reflects modern expectations of what a decent home should provide:

• Safety and security
• Warmth and energy efficiency
• Good‑quality facilities
• A proactive approach to tackling damp and mould

A major change is the move towards assessing building components — such as windows, roofs and key installations — based on condition rather than age. This shift targets real‑world performance, not arbitrary lifespans. The standard will also require improvements to kitchens and bathrooms and it introduces new safety features such as mandatory child‑resistant window restrictors to reduce the risk of falls. Notably, the Government has stepped back from proposals for enhanced home‑security rules, mandatory floor coverings and obligations to maintain public‑realm areas. Instead, ministers plan to work with landlords and tenants to explore affordable ways to support residents who struggle to furnish their homes.

Raising energy efficiency standards

Energy performance is another major focus. From 1 April 2030, all new and existing social rented homes must achieve EPC C using one of three updated metrics:

• Fabric Performance
• Smart Readiness
• Heating System metric

A second metric must be met by 2039, giving landlords a clear long‑term pathway for investment planning. The goal is to:

• Reduce fuel poverty
• Cut carbon emissions
• Support long‑term decarbonisation of the housing sector
• Give landlords confidence to invest early

The Government has also released the final Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for the social sector, with further guidance expected.

Future Homes Standard: certainty for development

Registered Providers have repeatedly emphasised the need for clarity on the Future Homes Standard (FHS) to unlock development pipelines. The FHS will require:

• High levels of fabric efficiency
• Low‑carbon heating systems
• Solar power as standard

A full specification and consultation response is expected in Q1 2026, alongside the introduction of a Statutory Instrument to set out transitional arrangements.

Awaab’s Law and safety regulations

The reforms also build on actions already taken. Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law came into force in October 2025, introducing fixed timescales for tackling damp and mould, including a requirement to resolve emergency hazards within 24 hours. Further phases will follow after a test‑and‑learn period.

Additionally, electrical safety regulations now require social landlords to carry out checks on installations and any landlord‑supplied appliances at least every five years. This already applies to new tenancies and is being rolled out to existing ones throughout 2026.

Balancing higher standards with housing supply

The Government acknowledges that improving the quality of existing homes carries significant costs. The approach aims to balance these demands with the need to deliver more social and affordable housing — essential for reducing reliance on temporary accommodation and supporting vulnerable households. Guidance to aid early compliance with both DHS and energy‑efficiency requirements will be published in due course.

Conclusion

For landlords, these reforms create a clear and ambitious roadmap for the next decade. The shift towards modern, safe, warm and energy‑efficient housing is now firmly embedded in policy, with long lead‑in times designed to support careful planning and investment. Landlords who act early will not only meet regulatory expectations but also deliver better outcomes for tenants and strengthen the long‑term resilience of their housing stock.

 For more information on housing standards, please contact me.