The New Era of Rental Compliance: What Yorkshire Landlords Must Know About the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law

The UK rental landscape is undergoing a monumental shift, moving towards a proactive, tenant-centric model of property maintenance and safety. For Yorkshire landlords, two pieces of upcoming legislation—the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) and the extension of Awaab’s Law—will redefine the minimum legal requirements for your rental properties.

Ignoring these changes is no longer an option. Staying ahead of the curve is essential to ensure landlord compliance UK 2025 and protect your investment.

1. The Decent Homes Standard Private Rented Sector

The Decent Homes Standard is being extended to the Private Rented Sector (PRS) for the first time as part of the wider Renters’ Rights Bill. While the finer details and implementation timeline are still being consulted on, the core criteria are clear.

This new standard will require all rental properties to be:

CriterionRequirement & Implication

Free of Serious Hazards. :- Properties must be free from any Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This includes severe damp, fire risks, and dangerous structural issues.

In a Reasonable State of RepairThis goes beyond basic safety. It requires properties to be in a good general state of repair, focusing on the condition of components (like the roof, windows, and electrics) rather than just their age. Proactive maintenance is key.

Reasonably Modern FacilitiesProperties must have a reasonably modern kitchen (e.g., adequate space and layout) and bathroom/WC. The current proposal focuses on functionality and condition, not just age.

Reasonable Thermal ComfortThe home must have an efficient heating system capable of heating two or more rooms, and proper insulation. This aligns closely with existing EPC requirements.

Free of Damp and MouldCrucially, this is a new, explicit criterion. Any damp or mould that presents a meaningful health risk, even if it doesn't meet the Category 1 hazard threshold, will mean a property fails the standard.

🛠️ Your Compliance Checklist: DHS

• Review your maintenance schedule: Move from reactive repairs to proactive upkeep. Address minor issues (like a faulty gutter or worn window seals) before they escalate into major problems that fail the DHS.

• Prioritise insulation and heating: Ensure your properties have up-to-date, energy-efficient, and programmable heating systems. This not only aids landlord compliance UK 2025 but also reduces condensation risk.

• Invest in preventative measures: Consider installing humidity-controlled extractor fans, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to improve ventilation—a major defence against damp.

2. The Power of Awaab’s Law Landlord Guide

The tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak due to severe mould exposure led to the creation of this landmark law. While initially aimed at the social housing sector, the government has confirmed powers to extend Awaab’s Law to the private rental sector.

This law is transformative because it imposes strict, non-negotiable legal timeframes for landlords to address serious hazards, particularly damp and mould.

RequirementProposed TimeframeInitial InvestigationMust be carried out within 14 calendar days of the tenant reporting a potential hazard.Written Report to TenantA written summary of findings and a repair plan must be provided to the tenant within a few days of the investigation’s conclusion.Commencement of WorksRepair work to fix the root cause of a significant hazard must begin within a short, defined period (e.g., 5 working days) after the investigation.Emergency HazardsIssues posing an imminent threat to life must be addressed (i.e., made safe) within 24 hours.

🔑 Why This Matters to You

Under the new regime, claims of "it’s tenant lifestyle" will hold little weight if the property has underlying structural or ventilation deficiencies.

If you fail to meet these timescales, tenants will be empowered to seek redress through the courts for breach of contract, and local authorities can issue significant fines. Protect rental income by demonstrating a robust, auditable paper trail of prompt action.

The Proactive Approach to Rental Property Standards UK

For Yorkshire landlords, these laws are not merely administrative hurdles; they are a fundamental part of operating a professional, secure property business.

Our Advice:

1. Educate Tenants: Provide clear, written guidance on how to prevent condensation (e.g., using extractor fans, airing rooms, not drying clothes indoors). This helps prevent issues but does not absolve you of responsibility for fixing underlying problems.

2. Regular, Detailed Inspections: Increase the frequency and rigour of your property inspections. Specifically look for early signs of damp, mould, and disrepair. Document everything with photos and signed reports.

3. Use Accredited Contractors: When addressing damp and mould, ensure you use specialists who can diagnose and fix the root cause (structural, insulation, or ventilation issues), not just a cosmetic repair.

By adopting a proactive approach now, you can confidently meet the Decent Homes Standard and be fully prepared for the strict obligations of Awaab’s Law, securing the long-term viability of your rental properties.

Need assistance creating your new compliance strategy or property health check? Contact our property management team today for a confidential review of your portfolio.