Standards
Social housing standards by nation
The rules for social homes differ across the UK. These pages summarise each nation's standards and timescales, checked against primary sources.
Social housing standards in England
The rules English social landlords must meet: Decent Homes, RSH consumer standards, Awaab's Law, electrical, alarm and fire door duties, and EPC C by 2030.
Read moreWalesSocial housing standards in Wales
Welsh social housing rules: WHQS 2023 deadlines, Renting Homes fitness rules on EICRs and alarms, stock-transfer landlords, and adaptations funding.
Read moreScotlandSocial housing standards in Scotland
Scottish social housing rules: SHQS and EICRs, the EESSH2 review, alarm rules, the 2026 damp and mould repair regulations, SHR returns and adaptations.
Read moreNorthern IrelandSocial housing standards in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland social housing: NIHE and 19 housing associations, the Decent Homes Standard review, no Awaab's Law, procurement routes and adaptations.
Read more| Nation | Housing standard | Damp and mould timescales |
|---|---|---|
| England | Decent Homes Standard | Awaab's Law (since 27 Oct 2025) |
| Wales | Welsh Housing Quality Standard 2023 | No timescale law found |
| Scotland | Scottish Housing Quality Standard | Scottish 2026 regulations (since 6 Oct 2026) |
| Northern Ireland | Decent Homes Standard (Northern Ireland) | No timescale law found |