Landlords could pay tenants up to two years’ rent for failing Decent Homes Standard as PBSA is exempt

Landlords could pay tenants up to two years’ rent for failing Decent Homes Standard as PBSA is exempt

0:03 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago 17

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In an unfair loophole, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers will be exempt from the Decent Homes Standard, whilst landlords will still have to follow the rules.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has confirmed that the Renters’ Rights Bill will require PRS landlords to comply with the Decent Homes Standard.

If landlords fail to follow the rules, they could face fines of up to £40,000 and may even be required to pay tenants up to TWO years’ worth of rent.

The government says a consultation on the Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector will happen as soon as possible and will set out the minimum requirements that all rented properties must meet.

Bill will exempt Purpose Built Student Accommodation

Responding to a question from Labour MP Uma Kumaran asking about the student enforcement mechanisms to hold landlords accountable for non-compliance with housing standards in the student sector.

Mr Pennycook says the government is committed to improving housing quality for students and the Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will ensure student properties are safe, secure and hazard free.

However, purpose-built student accommodation providers will be excluded from following the Decent Homes Standard.

Mr Pennycook said: “The Bill will exempt Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) from the assured tenancy system if the landlord is signed up to a government-approved code of management practice. Such accommodation will therefore not be subject to the DHS, but landlords will need to meet rigorous standards set by the codes which are tailored to the needs of PBSA.

“This includes maintaining the safety of the accommodation, ensuring the property is well-managed and making sure there is an effective working relationship between tenants and managers.

“Members of the codes must also have robust procedures in place for handling complaints and remedying issues raised by students. Failure to meet these standards will result in membership being terminated, meaning the property will then be subject to the DHS.”

Landlords will need to pay TWO years’ worth of rent if they fail to meet the DHS

Mr Pennycook also confirmed landlords could have to pay up to TWO years’ rent if they fail to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

He said: “Tenants (and local authorities, where any rent has been paid via Universal Credit) will also be able to take direct action if landlords fail to comply with the Decent Homes Standards.

“Tenants can pursue a rent repayment order, meaning the responsible landlord will need to pay the tenant (or local authority) up to two years’ rent.”


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Paul Essex

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10:12 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

How on earth can the government not see that constantly adding to the 'risk' side of the equation whilst equally threatening the reward side continues to make the PRS an unattractive investment.

Vibha Spal

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10:19 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

Matthew Pennycook should try and be a landlord, if it is all that easy.
We as landlords provide good quality housing and willing to maintain properties before renting our. If the tenants mess up, like mould etc by not ventilating or not ever heating the place, the tenants will complain to get their rent refunded and more possibly. What does MP know about tenants behaviours? So now I am including the bills in the rent when renting out to ensure there is heating in the morning and evenings. For students this is necessary as there are a lot of students accomodation in the area offering such amenities.

Vibha Spal

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10:22 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

The laws MP thinks about are totally preposterous. He has no sense as he is driving rent increases and landlords departures. This is like communist China, share your house with tenants who cannot pay or who don't know how to respect someone's property or consideration that some other people will stay after them.

dismayed landlord

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10:31 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

Could! Lol

David Lawrenson

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10:40 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

Has the penny dropped yet, people?

Same as in farming.

The clear agenda (Great Reset) is to have the main parts of the economy ran by large corporations, that can better be controlled. Hitler and Mussolini would be impressed.

John Wilkinson

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11:43 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

Reply to the comment left by David Lawrenson at 23/12/2024 - 10:40
The government can't control large corporations... They can't even control the water companies after Thatcher sold them all off and the housing debacle was caused by her selling off all the council housing...
Her legacy is ruining the little guys to make those in power more powerful...

Dylan Morris

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11:50 AM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

Reply to the comment left by David Lawrenson at 23/12/2024 - 10:40Don’t forget Stalin …… he was worse and always gets an easy ride.

Herr Volvo

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12:11 PM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

Communism here we come.

Keith Wellburn

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12:29 PM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

If you look at the existing decent homes standard as it was written for social housing (most of which is post WW2) twenty years back and apply it to a typical Victorian property which make up a bigger proportion of the PRS - there wouldn’t be much of the houses left if you removed all the components that are supposedly past their useful life. There are recommended ages for roofs, window lintels etc as well as kitchens and bathrooms.

Yet these houses that it would be illegal to build today on so many Building Regs points make lovely homes - I live in one myself with original sash windows etc and a bathroom fitted out in 1948 which I have no intention of replacing.

Most tenants can tell if a house is in reasonable order and suits their needs and the PRS already has certification for gas and electrics and much local licensing. Things like an older but serviceable kitchen are factored in the overall rental price along with the other variables like location and quality of the overall fit and finish of the property.

I’ve no problem with a decency standard being applied with common sense, but looking at the current bunch I don’t expect that to happen (and no different to Osborne, Gove etc before).

I can see Pennycook on some sort of mission to make renting a property the equivalent in motoring terms of driving a late model German car - plenty want and expect to do so but it comes at a price and many more are happy to drive something that starts and goes, manages to get through an MOT and is affordable.

Of course is the argument is tenants have no choice, they have to take anything at any price - then get the problem resolved by bringing supply and demand into line and market forces will do the rest.

Stella

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12:50 PM, 23rd December 2024, About 2 days ago

Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 23/12/2024 - 11:50
The country is already paying a big price by having voted for this clueless bunch.

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