Private rented property standards guidance

All ceilings must be in a structurally sound and secure condition with no loose sections of surface material. 

• The ceiling must have no sagging or bowing and must be as level as possible. 
• The ceiling area must be free from any type of water ingress, damp, and mould. 
• There must not be any cracking or gaps to the structure or surface of the ceiling. 
• Where the ceiling meets a wall there must be no cracking or gaps present. 
• The surface of the ceiling should be smooth and able to be decorated.
• Any element attached to the ceiling (such as a smoke detector or light fitting) must be fixed securely to the ceiling and in an appropriate manner. 
• Textured finish coatings (such as Artex) should be free from asbestos.
• If in doubt, then testing of the textured finish must be carried out to confirm it is asbestos free. All should be tested for asbestos content and appropriate action taken. (Visit Asbestos and manufactured mineral fibres (MMF) for further guidance.) 
• Polystyrene ceiling tiles are not permitted. Polystyrene tiles must be removed, and the ceiling surface made good with either new plaster and or other suitable ceiling covering.
• Suspended ceilings are allowed however these should not compromise the fire safety and compartmentation of the room. The ceiling above the suspended ceiling must be in sound secure condition and there must be no gaps between the ceiling and the floor above or the walls to other rooms/voids.