Renters Face Decade-Long Wait for Decent Homes

The enforcement of the Decent Homes Standard in England has been postponed to 2035, a decision that will affect millions of renters. This standard requires landlords to maintain properties in good repair and free from damp and mould. Currently, over a million private rental homes do not meet these basic requirements, a figure that has remained stagnant since 2019.

Tenants like Tish in Liverpool have endured years of disrepair, including leaking roofs and severe mould, impacting their health. Adrian, facing similar conditions in his new flat, expressed dismay at the nearly decade-long delay. These situations underscore the urgent need for improved housing conditions.

Current regulations mandate landlords to address Category 1 hazards, with local authorities able to impose significant fines. The Decent Homes Standard introduces stricter requirements for kitchens, bathrooms, heating, and general repair. Despite the delay in full implementation, some measures like energy efficiency standards are expected sooner.

Advocacy groups criticize the government's lack of urgency, warning that neglectful landlords will continue to profit from substandard properties. They call for an expedited timeline, emphasizing that renters cannot wait a decade for basic protections. The government has stated efforts are underway to extend tenant protections, including Awaab's Law to private rentals and introducing an Ombudsman for landlord complaints.