MPs have launched a major inquiry into the poor conditions of rental properties to assess the scale of problems such as damp and mould and whether the Government’s proposed new rules are sufficient or more regulation is required.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee has now begun evidence gathering sessions with experts on hazards in rental properties, and as Chair Florence Eshalomi (pictured) warns, “We are in a housing crisis and the time for action is long overdue.”

Experts include Sir Michael Marmot from the Institute for Health Equity, as well as building research specialists who will be providing their views on poor standards and their impact on health.

Decent Homes Standard

They will also be examining the many upcoming changes to the rental rules, and there will be a particular focus on the Decent Homes Standard, which will be extended into the PRS for the first time, but not until 2037.

They will also be taking a look at Awaab’s Law, which will require private landlords to investigate and fix hazards like damp within set timescales and the Renters’ Rights Bill, which aims to give tenants the confidence to report problems without fear of eviction.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has defended the 12-year timeline for implementing the Decent Homes Standard, but Eshalomi has called this “extreme” and warned current plans amount to applying “sticking tape” to the problem.

The inquiry will heap yet more pressure on letting agents and landlords who are already struggling to deal with the looming Renters’ Rights Bill and rising energy efficiency standards.