More than 441,000 private rented homes in the UK are failing to meet new thermal comfort standards, with a staggering 40% of properties not meeting the updated Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) rules that came into effect last week. The revised framework, introduced by the Government, puts greater emphasis on both excessive cold and overheating risks within properties, reflecting growing concerns about climate change's impact on housing conditions.
The shift in focus from just winter warmth to year-round habitability has property professionals urging landlords to consider how homes perform during extreme summer heat. Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, which contributed to the research, notes that while discussions around housing quality have traditionally focused on winter warmth and energy efficiency, the UK's changing climate demands a broader perspective.
The recent prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 35°C in parts of the country, has highlighted the urgent need for landlords to address thermal comfort deficiencies. These can be distinct from direct overheating hazards but both point to the critical need for homes to remain safe and habitable throughout the year. Excess heat hazards often stem from issues such as excessive solar gain, inadequate shading, poor ventilation, or building features that impede maintaining safe indoor temperatures.
The Government's confirmation that all private and social landlords will be required to meet the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) by 2035 aims to ensure rented properties provide a safe, warm, and modern living environment. This initiative aligns with the updated HHSRS rules to improve overall housing quality for tenants across the country.
The Labour Party has consistently called for stronger enforcement of housing standards and greater protections for renters, although they have yet to issue a specific response to this new data. Their broader policy aims include strengthening local authorities' powers to tackle rogue landlords and improve rental accommodation quality.