The Renters Rights Bill represents the most significant update of the private rented sector in decades, aiming to raise housing standards and strengthen tenant protections. 

Existing Legal Requirements 

Before letting a residential property, landlords must meet a number of statutory requirements, including:

• The Housing Act 2004: Properties must meet minimum health and safety standards. 
• The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: landlords must maintain properties in good repair, including the structure, exterior, and key installations. 
• The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: Homes must be free from serious hazards and are fit for occupation throughout the tenancy.
• The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015: Properties must have a minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of E or above (unless exempt). 

By 2028, new tenancies will require an EPC rating of C. A revised EPC methodology has been in effect since June 2025. 

Awaabs Law And The Decent Homes Standard 

Following the tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, Awaab’s Law introduced legal duties for addressing damp and mould in social housing through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.  The Renters Rights Bill proposes to extend these requirements to the private sector. 

The Bill also proposes to apply the Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector. This standard defines the minimum living conditions expected of residential properties meaning residential landlords will have additional obligations concerning safety and repair standards. 

Damp and Mould

To support compliance landlords should:

• Read the official government guidance on damp and mould -Awaab’s Law: Draft guidance for social landlords - GOV.UK; and
• familiarise with the Decent Homes Standard which can be found here - A decent home: definition and guidance - GOV.UK.

Property has an extensive range of professionally drafted templates and documents for Damp and Mould in Dwellings. Landlords will also find a range of Residential Tenancy Compliance Documents to assist in overall compliance.