Decent Homes Standard

The Decent Homes Standard and your yearly roof report

What the new standard says about roofs, damp and repair, where it stands today, and how a yearly roof report helps.

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Confirmed, rules not yet made Where it stands (October 2026): the government has confirmed a new Decent Homes Standard for private and social rented homes, due from 2035. The rules to bring it in for private rentals are still to be made. It is not yet in force for private landlords.

What the new standard says about roofs

Under the new Decent Homes Standard (due from 2035), a home will need to be in a reasonable state of repair. The roof is listed as a “key” part of the home, because a roof in poor condition can lead to damp and mould. Damp and mould that hasn’t been put right will also make a home non-decent.

Until then, your existing repair duties still apply: the government’s published plans say landlords “will have to continue to meet their existing legal obligations to keep their homes in repair and fit for habitation”.

Source: MHCLG, The New Decent Homes Standard, updated 28 January 2026.

Roofer on a ladder refitting the gutter of a brick house

How your yearly Ridgewatch roof report helps

Stay on top of repair: roof coverings, ridges, valleys, flashings, gutters and downpipes checked every year.
Keep a clear record of roof upkeep: small defects can be spotted early, and each visit is recorded with a date.
Have fewer disputes: dated notes and photos show what was checked, what was found and what was done. Reports include photos of what we could safely see and reach.
Build a record over time: helpful at renewal, when selling, or if a question comes up later.

It helps you evidence good repair. It isn’t a compliance certificate, and we won’t promise “compliance”.

The yearly roof condition report and certificate is part of every Ridgewatch membership. See what it includes.

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Decent Homes Standard: questions

Is the Decent Homes Standard law for private landlords yet?

Not yet. The government has confirmed a new standard for private and social rented homes, due from 2035, and the rules to bring it in are still to be made. Your current repair duties apply now.

Does Awaab’s Law apply to my rental?

Not yet for private rentals. It applies to social housing, and the government is consulting on extending it to private rentals (the consultation closes 18 December 2026). We’ll update this page when a date is confirmed.

Will Ridgewatch make my property compliant?

No service can promise that, and we won’t. Ridgewatch keeps your roof and gutters maintained and gives you a dated yearly record. That helps you evidence good repair, but meeting your legal duties is still your responsibility.

What else is changing for landlords?

See Landlords: what’s changed for the full roundup, with what’s in force, coming and proposed.

Not legal advice

This page is a general summary of publicly available government information as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Laws and dates can change, so check GOV.UK (or GOV.WALES or mygov.scot) or speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.

Sources: MHCLG, The New Decent Homes Standard (updated 28 January 2026); MHCLG, Extending Awaab’s Law to private rented tenancies (9 October 2026).

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