Different nations. Different rules.
Start with the jurisdiction and tenancy. Then distinguish a requirement in force, a future commencement and a proposal still awaiting approval.
Official sources checked . Review due — check the original sources before relying on this status.
England
Phase 1 in force. Phase 2 intended for 30 November 2026; approval pending.
Coverage: Relevant social tenancies let by registered providers, including councils and housing associations. Not a blanket rule for all rented homes.
Phase 1
In force · 27 Oct 2025
Significant damp and mould hazards, plus emergency hazards across the prescribed hazard categories (excluding overcrowding).
Phase 2
Draft · approval pending · 30 Nov 2026
Intended expansion to significant excess cold, excess heat, falls, structural collapse, fire and explosions, electrical hazards, and domestic/personal hygiene and food safety.
Phase 3
Planned · not commenced
Further expansion to remaining HHSRS hazards, except overcrowding. Do not treat a policy timetable as a commenced duty.
Scotland
Different legislation. Different repair milestones.
Coverage: Accommodation within the Scottish Right to Repair Scheme or Repairing Standard: social tenancies and much of the private rented sector, with statutory exclusions.
Scottish damp and mould duties
Scheduled commencement · 6 Oct 2026
The Investigation and Commencement of Repair (Scotland) Regulations 2026 apply through the Right to Repair Scheme and Repairing Standard.
Wales
Wales uses its own housing quality framework.
Coverage: The WHQS responding-to-hazards rule is for social housing. Wider fitness duties under the Renting Homes framework are a separate consideration for rented homes.
WHQS: Responding to Hazards
In effect · 1 Apr 2026
HHSRS hazards other than overcrowding where there is potential significant risk arising from building-component defects or disrepair within the landlord’s control.
Fitness for human habitation
Separate existing framework
Wales also has rented-home fitness duties. Do not apply the WHQS social-housing timetable automatically to private landlords.
Northern Ireland
Do not apply an English or Scottish timetable here.
Coverage: Existing Northern Ireland housing fitness and landlord repair frameworks. The proposed revised Decent Homes Standard is a separate social-housing reform.
Statutory housing fitness
Existing framework
Includes freedom from serious disrepair and dampness prejudicial to occupants’ health, alongside other fitness requirements.
Decent Homes review
Consultation closed · proposals
The published consultation closed on 4 March 2026. Its proposals are not evidence of a commenced fixed-deadline regime.