Decent Homes Standard consultation ends on Friday

Landlords who want to express their views about the Government’s Decent Homes Standard proposals have until Friday to do so.

That’s when the six-week consultation period ends and opinions about the new standard that was unveiled in the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper will see social housing sector standards being met by the private rental sector.

Not only will the government plans see a legal duty being imposed on landlords to ensure that their rental properties meet the standard, but they also face a criminal sanction if not.

This could see landlords making an appearance in a Magistrates Court or being handed a civil penalty.

It’s also possible that non-compliance could lead to a banning order for the landlord.

You can access the consultation on the .Gov website, or email PRS_DHSreview@levellingup.gov.uk. For landlords who prefer to write in with their responses, the address is below.

Proposals as part of the government’s consultation

Among the proposals as part of the government’s consultation, they are asking whether local authorities should have the power to exempt a landlord temporarily if they are buying a property with sitting tenants that does not meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Also, the government wants to know whether landlords should use the planned new property portal to register their compliance.

One landlord who has completed the consultation told Property118.com: “The 12-point plan will not create a private rented sector that is fit for the 21st century.

“It will not give good landlords the confidence and support they need to provide decent and secure homes when those homes are being abused by the tenants.”

Standards in the private rented sector generally are good

When the consultation was first unveiled, Ben Beadle, the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “Standards in the private rented sector generally are good and continue to improve.

“That is why private renters are more likely to be satisfied with their accommodation than those in the social rented sector.”

He added: “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.”

Mr Beadle also made clear that any new laws will need improved, well-funded enforcement – particularly against the minority of landlords who tarnish the reputation of the responsible, law-abiding majority.

MORE INFORMATION

For landlords wanting to write to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities with their views, then this is the address:

PRS DHS Consultation,

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities,

3rd Floor, Fry building,

2 Marsham Street,

London,

SW1P 4DF.

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