What is a "decent home"?

To be defined as "decent", a home must meet each of the following criteria:

1. It meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing
   Homes that fail to meet this are those containing one or more hazards assessed as serious under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
   
   
2. It is in a reasonable state of repair
   Homes which fail this are those where either:
   • One or more of the key building components are old and, because of their condition need replacing or major repair
   • Two or more of the other building components are old and, because of their condition, need replacing or major repair
     
     
3. It has reasonably modern facilities and services
   Homes that fail to meet this criterion are those that lack three or more of the following:
   • A reasonably modern kitchen (20 years old or less)
   • A kitchen with adequate space and layout
   • A reasonably modern bathroom (30 years old or less)
   • An appropriately located bathroom and WC
   • Adequate insulation against external noise (where external noise is a problem)
   • Adequate size and layout of common areas for blocks of flats
     
     
4. It provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
   This means that your home must have both effective insulation and efficient heating