Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard sets out the criteria our council housing must meet.

The standard was introduced by government in 2000, and by the end of 2010 all of our housing had to meet it. 

This means all of our homes must:

  • meet the current statutory minimum standard for housing,
  • be in a reasonable state of repair,
  • have reasonably modern facilities and services, and
  • provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.

What the current minimum standard means

A home must have no category 1 hazards in accordance with the Housing health and safety rating system.

Some examples of category 1 hazards are lead drinking water pipes, and excessive cold because there is no heating.

What a reasonable state of repair means

A home must have:

  • A kitchen that is not more than 30 years old and in reasonable condition.
  • A bathroom that is not more than 40 years old and in reasonable condition.
  • Central heating pipework and radiators that are not more than 40 years old and in reasonable condition.

If two or more of these facilities were over the age limit, and in poor condition, beyond repair or unsuitable, then this standard would not be met.

What poor condition means

A kitchen would be in poor condition if three or more of the following needed major repair or replacement:

  • Cold drinking water supply
  • Hot water
  • Sink
  • Cooking provision
  • Cupboards and worktops

A bathroom would be in poor condition if two or more of the following needed major repair or replacement:

  • Bath
  • Wash hand basin
  • Toilet

Central heating would be in poor condition if the system was damaged.

We carry out improvements needed to our homes through our council house planned maintenance programme, which is reviewed every year.

What reasonably modern facilities and services means

A home must have:

  • A kitchen that is not more than 20 years old.
  • A kitchen of adequate size and layout.
  • A bathroom that is not more than 30 years old.
  • A bathroom and toilet that are appropriately located, for example, not in a bedroom.
  • Adequate insulation against noise from outside the home.
  • For blocks of flats, the communal areas need to be of adequate size and layout.

If three or more of these facilities are not in the home, then this standard would not be met.