The Government has set a target to ensure that all social housing meets the Decent Homes Standard. Social housing means homes that are owned by your local authority or a Registered Social Landlord (RSL). RSLs are also sometimes called Housing Associations.

A decent home is one that is wind and weather tight, warm and has modern facilities.

Waltham Forest Council is striving to ensure that homes in the private sector meet the Decent Homes Standard, especially where an occupier is vulnerable. i.e. disabled, elderly or has children living at home.

The basic principles of the Decent Homes Standard are:

  • It must meet the current statutory minimum standard for housing
    Homes below this standard are those defined as unfit under section 604 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended by the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act)

  • It must be in a reasonable state of repair
    Homes which fail to meet this standard are those where either:
    – one or more of the key building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair; or
    – two or more of the other building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing– or major repair

  • It must have reasonably modern facilities and services
    Homes which fail to meet this standard are those which don't have three or more of the following:
    – reasonably modern kitchen (20 years old or less)
    – a kitchen with adequate space and layout
    – a reasonably modern bathroom (30 years old or less)
    – an appropriately located bathroom and WC
    – adequate insulation against external noise (where external noise is a problem)
    – adequate size and layout of common areas for blocks of flats

  • It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
    This means that your home must have both effective insulation and efficient heating

You can find a full definition of the Decent Homes Standard on the Communities and Local Government website.

The Council's policy

The Council’s policy on assistance recognises the principle that, in the main, owners should be responsible for the upkeep and repair of their own properties. However, it also accepts that there are some groups where assistance will be necessary.

Housing Standards
Housing Services
Cedar Wood House
2d Fulbourne Rd
Walthamstow
E17 4GG

Tel: 020 8496 3000
Email: Housing.Standards@walthamforest.gov.uk