The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has launched a consultation on introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector.
The new proposal would mean landlords are legally bound to ensure their property meets a reasonable living standard.
The consultation asks for views from renters, landlords, councils and housing groups debating 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 on whether such new standards should be introduced and on how they should be enforced. It will run for six weeks.
Housing secretary Greg Clark said: “I want to see a thriving private rented sector, but that does not mean tenants should have to suffer homes that are not of a decent standard. This consultation asks what the minimum standard for privately rented homes should be.”
Alicia Kennedy, director at Generation Rent, said: “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.”
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