Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of requirements relating to safe and suitable flooring within the reformed Decent Homes Standard for social and privately rented homes; and whether further guidance will be issued to ensure flooring standards support (a) tenant safety, (b) accessibility and (c) overall housing quality.

My Department published its response to the Decent Homes Standard consultation on 28 January 2026. It can be found on gov.uk here.

Following analysis of the evidence received, we decided that floor coverings should not be included as a mandatory requirement within the new standard. This reflects the need to balance the costs of improving existing stock with the investment required to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, alongside the wider projected costs of delivering the new standard. Increasing supply will help move people, including many vulnerable children, out of unsuitable temporary accommodation.

Recognising that the absence of appropriate floor coverings can affect tenant safety, accessibility and overall housing quality, particularly for families with young children, older people and disabled tenants, the government intend to issue strengthened best practice guidance encouraging social landlords to retain good quality floor coverings between tenancies. We are also establishing a working group and pilot with the sector to identify cost effective ways for tenants most in need to access essential floor coverings and wider furnishings.