A new set of improved standards for rented homes, could soon be introduced as part of the next step of the government’s biggest shake up of the private rented sector in 30 years.
The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities has today launched a consultation on introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the rented sector, which would mean landlords are legally bound to make sure their property meets a reasonable standard.
The government says that the aim is to ensure all landlords in the private rented sector meet high standards.
The consultation asks whether privately rented homes should be required to be kept in a good state of repair with efficient heating, suitable facilities, and free from serious hazards like major damp or fire risks. The consultation seeks views on whether such new standards should be introduced and on how they should be enforced.
Today’s move forms part of the government’s pledge to halve the number of poor-quality rented homes by 2030.
Housing Secretary Greg Clark said: “I want to see a thriving private rented sector, but that does not mean that tenants should have to suffer homes that are not of decent standard.
“This consultation asks what the minimum standard for privately rented homes should be.”
Alicia Kennedy, director of Generation Rent, commented: “We welcome these plans to extend the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes.
“As the private rented sector has grown to overtake the social sector in size, not enough action has been taken on the poorer conditions private tenants must put up with. Private rented homes are more costly to heat and at a higher risk of disrepair and damp problems. There is no reason why private tenants should expect a worse service than social tenants.
“This crucial measure will help tenants get value for money, whoever they rent from, and stop landlords from profiting by cutting corners.”
Gavin Smart, chief executive at Chartered Institute of Housing, added: “All renters should be able to live in decent, well maintained homes. We welcome the commitment to introduce a new Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector as part of the government’s new deal for renters.
“We look forward to seeing the details set out in the consultation and discussing the proposals with our members.
“The social housing sector has been subject to a decent homes standard since 2001. Over the last decade poor quality social housing has reduced by over a third.
“The introduction of a Decent Homes Standard in the private rented sector was outlined in the government’s landmark Fairer private rented sector white paper.
“The consultation will run for six weeks and seeks views from tenants, landlords, and others in the sector.”
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 14 October 2022.
So most us Landlords have been giving the minimum standard for years.
Yet it’s now that the Govt want New build standards too. Who’s paying for this? Cause my tenants can’t afford £1000pm like my 1 New build I do have. They quite happy with the £700pm on the 40 year old house they have.
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“who’s paying for this” is exactly the right question to ask. Ultimatly it will be the tenant.
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They already have the required housing standards in social housing sector. Does this mean PRS will be required to have higher standards or why not use SHS requirements? My experience with housing standards is they are open to abuse by over vigilant council officials on trivial and argumentative issue or rogue tenants to prevent eviction notices at worst.
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Is the Government stupid? That was rhetorical, of course they are:
“The consultation asks whether privately rented homes should be required to be kept in a good state of repair with efficient heating, suitable facilities, and free from serious hazards like major damp or fire risks.”
You mean those risks raised by: Landlord & Tenant Act 1985, HHSRS, Homes Act 2018?
PRS is leagues ahead of Social Housing. This idiotic Decent Homes Standard will change literally nothing, as landlords are already legally obligated to ensure that properties are in a good state free from hazards.
Well done on increased regulation that does naff all. Vote grabbing at its finest!
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Well if my local the Council require that my PRS properties should match the quality of their social housing I need to rough my places up a bit and install some damp and mould and board up some windows. They need to put their own places in order before judging mine.
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Ha ha brilliant. And yes, we need to be buying cheaper combi’s & surface mounted re-wiring.
Ooh & we’d get away without EPC & Licensing too wun’t we.
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