You might be forgiven for not remembering the "Decent Homes Standard", introduced by the Blair Government in 2000.

It is about to get a 2024 refresh, the idea being to breathe new life into the private sector. Statutory minimum criteria for heating, facilities and services will be set for social housing in England.

It is reckoned that at present, 21% of homes are considered "sub standard".

The idea is to set the standard; to give local authorities more enforcement powers; to include imposing hefty fines, rising steeply for repeat offenders; and to enable them to bring prosecutions.

There will also be an extension for Awab's Law:- named after the 2 year old who died in iRochdale, in inadequate social housing, owing directly to mould growth.
This law will enable Tenants to challenge dangerous conditions and to force Landlords to fix defects.
The current estimate is that roughly 750,000 homes meet these criteria .
See here the latest updates.