Glossary

Decent Homes Standard

Plain-English definition

A government benchmark requiring social housing to be free from serious hazards, in a reasonable state of repair, have reasonably modern facilities, and provide thermal comfort. Social landlords are assessed against it by the Regulator of Social Housing.

Related terms

WHQS2 (Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2)

The standard Welsh social landlords must meet by 2034. Covers things like thermal efficiency, safety, and fitness for purpose. Equivalent (but not identical) to England's Decent Homes Standard.

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By: Support for Tenants editorial team

Last updated: 15 June 2026

Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.

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