Prepare for the Decent Homes Standard in Private Rentals
For the first time, the Decent Homes Standard will apply to the private rented sector. Over 20% of PRS homes currently fail at least one criterion. PRSCheck helps councils identify which properties need attention and track progress towards compliance.
How PRSCheck prepares you
15
Data sources screened per property
Instant
Bulk screening across your borough
Auto
Flag properties failing DHS criteria
PRSCheck cross-references EPC data, HHSRS indicators, property age, and construction type to identify properties likely to fail the Decent Homes Standard before inspection. Your team can prioritise the worst properties first.
The five criteria
A property meets the Decent Homes Standard when it satisfies all five of the following criteria. Failure on any single criterion means the property is non-decent.
1. Free from Category 1 hazards
The property must be free from any hazard assessed as Category 1 under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This includes hazards such as excess cold, damp and mould growth, falls on stairs, and electrical hazards.
How PRSCheck screens for this: PRSCheck flags properties with known HHSRS inspection history, complaint patterns, and building age/type risk factors that correlate with Category 1 hazards.
2. In a reasonable state of repair
Key building components (roof, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, heating, electrics) must be in reasonable condition. Components are classed as old if they are older than their expected lifetime and in poor condition if they need major repair or replacement.
How PRSCheck screens for this: Building age, EPC construction data, and previous inspection records are used to identify properties likely to fail this criterion.
3. Reasonably modern facilities and services
The property must have a kitchen with adequate space, an appropriately located bathroom and WC, adequate noise insulation, and adequate lighting, ventilation, and heating.
How PRSCheck screens for this: EPC data, floor plan information, and property age indicators flag properties where facilities are likely below standard.
4. Reasonable degree of thermal comfort
The property must have efficient heating and effective insulation. From 2030, private rented properties will need a minimum EPC rating of C to meet thermal comfort requirements.
How PRSCheck screens for this: PRSCheck checks the EPC register directly. Properties rated D or below are flagged, with those rated E or below marked as high priority.
5. Minimum energy efficiency
Currently, private rented properties must have a minimum EPC rating of E. The Renters' Rights Act 2024 introduces a trajectory to EPC C by 2030, aligned with the Decent Homes Standard timeline.
How PRSCheck screens for this: Direct EPC register lookup. Current compliance (minimum E) and future compliance (minimum C by 2030) are both tracked.
Implementation timeline
Renters' Rights Act receives Royal Assent. DHS extension to PRS confirmed.
MHCLG consultation on DHS implementation details for private sector. PRS Database launches.
Expected secondary legislation setting out DHS enforcement framework for PRS.
EPC C minimum for new private tenancies. Existing tenancies follow by 2033.
Full Decent Homes Standard enforcement in the private rented sector.
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