The New Safety and Property Standards Explained – What Landlords Need to Prepare For
The Renters’ Rights Act is changing more than the way tenancies work.
For landlords, one of the next big areas to understand is property standards. This includes how rental homes are maintained, how quickly serious issues are dealt with, and what tenants should be able to expect from the condition of their home.
Not every change is happening at once. Some of the new standards are being introduced later, and further detail is still expected. But that does not mean landlords should wait.
If you own or manage a rental property, now is a good time to review where things stand.
Why property standards are becoming a bigger focus
The Renters’ Rights Act is part of a wider move to improve standards across the private rented sector.
Much of the attention so far has been on tenancy reform, rent increases and possession rules. But safety and property condition are just as important.
The aim is simple: tenants should live in homes that are safe, warm and properly maintained. For responsible landlords, this will already be the goal. The difference is that expectations are becoming clearer, and landlords may need to show that problems are being handled properly.
If you are already reviewing your wider Renters’ Rights Act compliance, property standards should be part of that conversation.
What are the new safety and property standards?
Two key areas landlords are likely to hear more about are Awaab’s Law and the Decent Homes Standard.
Awaab’s Law
Awaab’s Law is about making sure serious hazards are dealt with quickly.
It was introduced following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died after prolonged exposure to mould in his home. The law is designed to make sure landlords respond to serious hazards, including damp and mould, within clear timescales.
It currently applies in the social rented sector, but the Renters’ Rights reforms include plans to extend it to private rented homes.
For landlords, the message is clear. Damp, mould and other serious issues cannot be left unresolved. Reports need to be taken seriously, investigated properly and acted on quickly.
Good communication matters too. Tenants should know what is happening, when someone will attend, and what action is being taken.
The Decent Homes Standard
The Decent Homes Standard sets expectations for the condition and quality of rented homes.
For the first time, a modernised version of the standard is being brought into the private rented sector. This is designed to make sure privately rented homes meet basic standards for safety, repair and comfort.
In simple terms, landlords will need to make sure their properties are free from serious hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, and suitable for tenants to live in.
The final details and timescales are still being phased in, but landlords should not ignore the direction of travel. The standard is about raising the bar for property condition, and it is likely to put more focus on proactive maintenance.
Why landlords should prepare now
It can be tempting to wait until every deadline and detail is confirmed. But that can make things harder later.
Preparing early gives you time to identify issues, plan work and budget properly. It also helps avoid rushed decisions if a tenant raises a concern or if new requirements come into force sooner than expected.
Most landlords want to provide a safe, comfortable home. Reviewing your property now simply helps make sure your processes, records and maintenance plans support that.
The property issues landlords should review first
You do not need to start with everything at once. Focus first on the areas most likely to affect tenant safety, comfort and compliance.
Damp, mould and ventilation
Damp and mould are likely to remain a major focus.
Landlords should look at any signs of condensation, leaks, poor ventilation or recurring mould. It is also worth reviewing how tenant reports are handled. If a tenant raises an issue, make sure it is logged, investigated and followed up.
Small problems can become bigger ones if they are left too long.
Repairs and ongoing maintenance
A good repairs process is one of the best ways to reduce risk.
Landlords should keep track of reported repairs, contractor visits, completed works and tenant updates. Regular maintenance can also help spot problems before they become urgent.
This might include checking heating, windows, doors, roofs, gutters, plumbing and areas where wear and tear could affect the property.
Hazards and general safety
Property standards are not only about damp and mould.
Landlords should also review anything that could put tenants at risk. This could include unsafe electrics, heating problems, structural concerns, loose flooring, trip hazards, fire safety issues or anything that affects the safe use of the home.
The key question is simple: if a tenant raised a concern tomorrow, would you know what to do next?
Why your repairs process matters as much as the repair itself
Under the new standards, it may not be enough to say that a repair was completed.
Landlords may also need to show how they responded. That means keeping clear records of when an issue was reported, what action was taken, who attended, when the work was completed, and what was communicated to the tenant.
This does not need to be complicated. A clear email trail, repair log and contractor notes can make a real difference.
Good records help protect landlords and give tenants confidence that their concerns are being taken seriously.
What happens if landlords fall behind?
Poor property standards can lead to complaints, local authority involvement, enforcement action and financial penalties.
The risk is not always caused by a landlord ignoring a serious problem. Sometimes it comes from a slow response, unclear communication or no record of what happened.
We have covered the fines landlords could face under the Renters’ Rights Act in more detail, but the main point is straightforward: it is better to check where you stand now than wait until there is a problem.
Get your FREE Renters’ Rights Act Compliance Check
If you are not sure whether your property, paperwork or repairs process is ready for the new standards, now is the time to check.
Andrews can help you review your current approach, identify potential gaps and understand what needs attention.
With the Renters’ Rights Act changing how landlords manage compliance, the right support can make all the difference.
