Millions of renters in England are facing another decade of uncertainty regarding their living conditions as Labour has postponed the implementation of a crucial decent homes standard until 2035. This decision has ignited outrage among tenants, advocates, and politicians, who argue that the delay will perpetuate the unhealthy and unsafe living situations that many renters currently endure.
The Reality of Renting in England
According to the latest English Housing Survey, a staggering 22 per cent of privately rented homes are deemed non-decent, equating to over a million properties across the country. The issues of damp, mould, and general disrepair have persisted since 2019, affecting the health and wellbeing of countless individuals and families.
Tish, a mother from Liverpool, moved into her flat in 2017 with the hope that necessary repairs would be expedited. Instead, she endured “eight years of murder,” as her home became a source of ongoing distress. Tish faced severe damp issues, including a leaking roof that ultimately led to a kitchen flood in 2024. “If someone was standing underneath, it would’ve killed them,” she reflected, highlighting the dangers she and her family faced daily.
With numerous unresolved maintenance issues, including crumbling stairs and mould-infested carpets, Tish and her daughter suffered from serious health problems. “We had breathing issues. There wasn’t a day that went past we didn’t feel unwell,” she said, underscoring the physical and emotional toll of living in such conditions.
Voices of Discontent
Adrian Fletcher, a 54-year-old renter on the South East coast, has also been left disheartened by the government’s decision. After being served a Section 21 eviction notice from his previous home, he found himself in a flat riddled with damp and mould. “You put your hand on [the wall], and you can actually see the moisture on your hand. It’s that wet,” he recounted, illustrating the severity of his living conditions. Adrian described his experience as “indescribably horrible,” with mould damaging his personal belongings and exacerbating his chronic pain.
“I understand that change takes time, but to impose a near 10-year wait seems absolutely ridiculous,” he remarked. Adrian, wary of the repercussions of pushing for repairs, is caught in a cycle of fear and uncertainty regarding his housing situation.
A Call for Urgent Action
The delay in enforcing the decent homes standard has sparked a wave of criticism from various quarters, including Paul Shanks, a spokesperson for the Renters’ Reform Coalition (RRC). He emphasised that the current conditions in rented homes are unacceptable and called for immediate action. “A fifth of rented homes in England fail to meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard,” he pointed out, arguing that landlords must not be allowed to profit from substandard living conditions.
The government’s response has been to remind tenants and landlords that existing regulations require landlords to address serious issues promptly, with local councils empowered to impose fines for non-compliance. However, critics argue that this is insufficient and that the timeline for the decent homes standard should be accelerated.
Why it Matters
The postponement of the decent homes standard has significant implications for the health and safety of millions of renters across England. With a notable percentage of homes already failing to meet basic living standards, the government’s lack of urgency sends a troubling message to landlords that compliance is not a priority. As families like Tish’s and Adrian’s continue to suffer, the urgent need for reform becomes increasingly clear. Delaying essential protections not only jeopardises physical health but also undermines the dignity and stability that every individual deserves in their home.
