Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted
Decent Homes Standard previously outdated and in urgent need of reform
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s changes to the Decent Homes Standard. The current standard has been out-of-date for some time and is in urgent need of reform, given that it was last updated in 2006. (Conclusion, Paragraph 48)
Government Response Summary
The government responded to its consultation on an updated and modernised Decent Homes Standard and aims to drive down rates of non-decency across the country and support landlords.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
23. On 28 January 2026 we responded to our consultation on an updated and modernised Decent Homes Standard. The new, modernised DHS is designed to meet modern expectations of housing quality. By setting out in plain terms a series of ambitious yet proportionate standards for landlords, we will continue to drive down rates of non-decency across the country. We will support landlords by publishing best practice guidance to supplement the DHS. This will cover topics that reflect the changing needs of social housing tenants such as climate adaptation, digital connectivity and water efficiency. 24. We recognise that expectations change so there will come a point where a review of the standard is necessary. It is vital, however, that we give providers the certainty they need to plan and spread costs long-term. That is why we have given landlords until 2035 to meet the modernised DHS. This means they can make plans to improve existing homes with confidence, whilst giving them the stability needed to invest in much needed new supply of social housing.