Landlords reject Government plan for decent homes in PRS

Landlord leaders have dismissed a Government blueprint for new ‘decent homes’ in the PRS.

Ben Beadle, CEO of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) (main picture) says the main problem in privately rented housing is lack of enforcement of the existing standards.

“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,” he says.

Landlords would be legally required to make sure their properties meet “a reasonable standard” under the proposed Decent Homes for PRS, which mirrors similar measures in social housing.

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 forms part of the Renters Reforms announced in a Government white paper published in June.

Tarnish reputation

Housing secretary Greg Clark says: “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.”

But Beadle is dismissive of the proposals: “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,” he says.

You can read the Government’s consultation on a Decent Homes standard here