The Decent Homes Standard sets the minimum standard that social housing landlords must meet to ensure homes are safe, secure, warm and in good condition.

This information applies to social and affordable rented homes managed by mhs homes. It does not apply to shared ownership homes, leasehold properties or private rented accommodation.

At mhs homes, we invest significantly in maintaining and improving our homes through planned maintenance, major improvement programmes and responsive repairs. We use information from stock condition surveys, inspections and customer feedback to help ensure our homes continue to meet the required standards.

In January 2026, the government published details of an updated Decent Homes Standard. The revised standard strengthens expectations around the condition of homes, energy efficiency, damp and mould, and the quality of facilities provided.

Further guidance and implementation arrangements are being introduced over the coming years. You can find more information on the government's website: EHS Briefing: Modelling a new Decent Homes Standard - GOV.UK

The Standard focuses on five key areas:

1. Safety and freedom from serious hazards

Your home must be free from serious health and safety risks, known as Category 1 hazards, as defined by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

2. A reasonable state of repair

Your home should be kept in good repair. Key building elements such as roofs, walls, windows, doors, heating systems and other important components should be maintained and not be in poor condition.

3. Modern facilities and services

Your home should provide suitable facilities and services, including:

  • A kitchen with adequate space and layout

  • A suitably located bathroom and WC

  • Appropriate measures to reduce excessive external noise, where necessary

  • Adequately sized and designed communal entrance areas in blocks of flats.

4. Thermal comfort and energy efficiency

Your home should be warm and energy efficient, with effective insulation and a heating system that is capable of providing comfortable temperatures throughout the property.

5. Freedom from damp and mould

Homes should be free from damp and mould that could affect the health and wellbeing of residents. We are committed to identifying and resolving damp and mould issues as quickly as possible, in line with current legislation and regulatory requirements.

How we assess our homes

We use information from stock condition surveys, property inspections, repair records and customer reports to monitor whether our homes meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Where a home falls below the required standard, we will prioritise the necessary work through repairs, planned maintenance programmes or future investment works.

Report a concern

If you believe your home does not meet the Decent Homes Standard, or if you need to report a repair, please contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate and take appropriate action.