BREAKING: Government seeks YOUR views on Decent Homes Standards plans
The Government has today launched yet another consultation ahead of its previously announced Renters Reform Bill, this time looking at its plans to introduce a ‘Decent Homes Standard’ into the PRS.
As mentioned within the recent ‘Fairer Renting’ white paper, it will bring in a version of a standard already in place within the social housing sector.
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.
It seeks views from landlords, tenants, councils and housing groups on whether such new standards should be introduced and on how they should be enforced and will run for six weeks.
Landlords response
Responding to the consultation Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, (pictured, below) says: “Standards in the private rented sector are improving. That is why private renters are more likely to be satisfied with their accommodation than those in the social rented sector.
“The Government’s plans should focus on making it easier for private landlords, tenants and councils to understand what is expected of them by simplifying the almost 170 laws already affecting the sector.
“The plans need to also recognise crucial differences between private and social rented housing, including in the age and types of properties in each.
“In the end, all the laws in the world will do nothing without improved enforcement against the minority of landlords who tarnish the reputation of the responsible, law-abiding majority. That requires properly resourced councils tackling the criminals and rogues, whilst allowing the responsible majority to easily prove their home is safe and compliant.”
Housing Secretary Greg Clark (pictured) says he wants 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,” he adds.
“This consultation asks what the minimum standard for privately rented homes should be.”
