Department for Communities outlines more ‘holistic approach’ in first changes to standard in more than 20 years
The Northern Ireland Executive has published a consultation paper on proposed changes to the Decent Homes Standard.
The Department for Communities is proposing “a more holistic approach” that considers a wider range of elements that can contribute to making a home decent, such as external areas and communal space.
Some of these elements will be “mandatory” and some “desirable” depending on whether they are practical for the property.
The current DHS is divided into four main criteria or “pillars” covering repairs, modern facilities, services and thermal comfort.
DfC is proposing to add a fifth pillar requiring homes to be “safe, secure, sustainable and to promote wellbeing”. The department is also planning to set a baseline for investigating and completing maintenance and repair work.
A spokesperson for DfC said the key principle for the review include “improving the condition of social homes, focusing on tenant wellbeing and comfort, as well as considering energy efficiency and the path to net zero”. The review will also seek views on delivering homes better suited to modern living.
The DHS, which applies to around 120,000 homes, has not been updated since 2004. The consultation runs until 4 March 2026.
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