Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In December 2018, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act received Royal Assent. The law - which only applies in England - was enacted in March 2019.
[edit] Measures for tenants
Referred to as the Homes Act, the legislation protects tenants in rented properties - ensuring that they are ‘fit for human habitation’. It gives tenants the right to take legal action, including applying for a refund of up to 12 months’ rent if landlords fail to address health and safety hazards.
Any tenant who signed a new tenancy agreement (for a home, either the one they are currently living in, or a new home, or anyone whose tenancy becomes a periodic tenancy on or after 20 March 2019) from 20 March 2019 to 20 March 2020 is eligible to use the Homes Act. This includes tenants who sign tenancies of less than seven years. Any tenant on the fixed term of a private tenancy that began before 20 March 2019 cannot use the Act until the end of that fixed term.
Any tenant who entered into a secure or assured tenancy, or a statutory tenancy, or a private periodic tenancy after 20 March 2020 can use the Homes Act regardless of when their tenancy began.
[edit] Measures for landlords
The Homes Act makes landlords responsible for providing homes that meet an acceptable standard. It grants local authorities the ability to take action against landlords and agents who let unfit properties. This can include fixed financial penalties of up to £30,000 and banning orders – possibly for life – for the most serious offenders.
Additional measures under the Homes Act include:
- Extending mandatory licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) to improve living conditions of tenants in shared homes.
- Tightening up rules on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Requiring electrical installation safety inspections every five years.
- Reviewing the rating system used by local authorities to assess the presence of serious risks to the health and safety of occupants.
Guidance regarding eligibility and additional details is available from the Guide for tenants: Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
See also: Fitness for human habitation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- Converting commercial offices to residential accommodation.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrical safety in the private rented sector.
- Fitness for human habitation.
- House in multiple occupation.
- Landlord.
- Landlord and Tenant Act.
- Property disrepair and landlord liabilities.
- Schedule of condition of property.
- Tenant.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.