It’s been a busy month of government announcements and delays.
The government has confirmed that the Decent Homes Standard won’t be applied to the PRS until 2035. EPC ratings have also been in the news.
Before we get into this month’s stories, let’s check in with the latest Rental Market Performance data.
Rental Market Performance in January 2025
Here’s what happened in the English rental market last month:
- The average monthly price for a rental property rose 1.98% from £1,213 in December to £1,237 in January
- January’s average rent of £1,237 is up 2.5% compared to 2025 figures (£1,207)
- The average void duration rose to 27 days
- The base interest rate in the UK remained at 3.75%
Decent Homes Standard in the PRS delayed until 2035
On January 28th, the government announced that the Decent Home Standard will not be legally applied to the Private Rented Sector until 2035.
This is the first time the Decent Homes Standard will be applied to the Private Rented Sector. Previously, the Standard, designed to ensure that properties are let in a reasonable state of repair and do not pose serious hazards, applied only to properties owned by social landlords.
Government ministers have defended the delay from housing activists, saying that the extended deadline gives landlords time to plan and adapt their properties to meet the new rules.
While a more robust Decent Homes Standard is generally a good thing, we understand that it might cause some anxiety. Luckily, you have almost ten years to get your properties in order. As your agent, we’ll be on hand to offer advice and help wherever we can.
New EPC ratings: All PRS properties must be grade C by 2030
The government has confirmed that new energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes will require landlords in England and Wales to bring their properties to a minimum EPC rating of C by October 1, 2030. This change is part of the long-awaited Warm Homes Plan, which aims to cut fuel costs, reduce carbon emissions, and make rental homes warmer.
Currently, properties in the Private Rented Sector only need an E rating before they can be let. This rule was first introduced in 2018 and means most rental properties currently sit beneath a C grade. Under the new rules, old and new properties alike will have to meet the new standard by 2030, unless they can secure a valid exemption.
To help landlords adapt, the government has said it will focus on practical “fabric-first” upgrades. This includes improvements such as better insulation and reduced heat loss. The policy also sets a £10,000 price cap to reassure landlords concerned about the cost of improvements.
For landlords like you, we recommend taking a proactive approach. Review your portfolio, identify properties that need upgrades, and begin scheduling them to ensure they’re in place before the 2030 deadline.
Landlords wanted for PRS Database testing
Our friends at Goodlord have shared an exciting opportunity for our landlords. The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government have asked for landlords in England to help test the PRS Database.
Volunteers will be asked to register in the database as part of the government’s private beta test and provide feedback on what they like and dislike. This is an excellent opportunity for landlords to have their voices heard before the database is rolled out nationwide.
The government has said it is looking for:
- Individual landlords.
- Joint landlords.
- Overseas landlords, those that reside outside the UK but have properties in England.
- Organisational landlords, such as companies, trusts and charities.
- Landlords using letting agents solely to manage your property.
- Landlords who require assistance with digital services.
- Landlords that cannot use digital services.
The database will not be widely launched until later this year, and any information registered during the beta testing phase will be deleted shortly thereafter.
If you’re interested in participating, please contact your agent or email PRSDatabase@communities.gov.uk to register your interest. Please include your name, the type of landlord you are, and state if you use letting agents, managing agents, or manage your properties yourself.