The government’s January 2026 policy statement sets 2035 as the implementation year for a new Decent Homes Standard covering social and privately rented homes in England. This archive article has been checked against government guidance on 15 October 2026. Its original publication date is retained.
Understand what changes in 2035
The new standard brings both rental sectors into a shared framework covering serious hazards, repairs, essential facilities, warmth, and damp and mould. Energy-efficiency requirements have their own timetable, so the 2035 date should not be treated as the deadline for every housing reform.
The policy also makes clear that landlords should start planning improvements before the final implementation date. A property-by-property record of condition, planned works and completed repairs can help organise that preparation.
Existing repairs still need attention
GOV.UK’s private renting guidance explains that landlords are responsible for repairs to the structure and exterior, sanitary fittings, heating and hot water, gas appliances and associated systems, electrical wiring, and damage caused while attempting repairs. Responsibility for some other work depends on the tenancy agreement.
Tenants should report problems to their landlord promptly. If a repair is not carried out, they can contact their local council’s environmental health department for help where poor conditions could affect health or safety. A future standard is not a reason to leave an existing problem unresolved.
Keep records that support action
Record when a problem was reported, the affected rooms, photographs where appropriate, arrangements for access and the response received. Landlords should keep contractor instructions and completion evidence with the property’s maintenance record. These are practical record-keeping suggestions, rather than a substitute for assessing the problem itself.
Prioritise an immediate safety concern through the appropriate urgent reporting route. For a dispute about responsibility or enforcement, obtain advice based on the particular tenancy and circumstances.
Source acknowledgement: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, The New Decent Homes Standard: policy statement; and GOV.UK, Private renting: Repairs. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.