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 16

Text Size

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.”


Share This Article


Comments

TheMaluka

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

12:58 PM, 23rd December 2024, About A day ago

Reply to the comment left by Stella at 23/12/2024 - 12:50
But remember, we voted out the last clueless bunch. Heads we lose and tails they win, the only way landlords can win is if it stands on its edge.

Neil Robb

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

14:02 PM, 23rd December 2024, About A day ago

This would be a nightmare.

How many landlords have had house wrecked by tenants . Yet tenants are protected and allowed to pay £1 a month if anything.

Look at evictions claiming disrepair to delay.

Certain tenants will cause damage and want compensation.

I have just responded to an email . About damaged front door hob oven cupboards falling away from wall .mould etc

My response tenants partner kicked the door in awaiting for them to pay it.

Tenant smashed hob

Cupboards are very overloaded and needs emptied.

Four years on they have a carpet bug problem

Smoke alarms have been removed

But it is all landlords fault

Ray Guselli

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

18:21 PM, 23rd December 2024, About A day ago

I must have missed the bit about action against tenants, when they have wrecked a property, which previously complied with the decent homes’ standard?

Pennycook is equally as out of touch as the rest of this Government (and the previous Conservative lot) whose sole aim appears to be to destroy or decimate the PRS.

Time to be looking to sell I think.

Stella

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

19:01 PM, 23rd December 2024, About 24 hours ago

Reply to the comment left by Neil Robb at 23/12/2024 - 14:02
You could not make it!

It will get even worse when these bad tenants are allowed to have dogs, cats snakes etc...

Cider Drinker

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

19:19 PM, 23rd December 2024, About 23 hours ago

I’d sooner do time in prison.

Vibha Spal

Become a Member

If you login or become a member you can view this members profile, comments, posts and send them messages!

Sign Up

12:14 PM, 24th December 2024, About 6 hours ago

It makes total sense to me that if the government demands safer and decent standard homes, they should first check the property check in inventory and educate the tenants how to live as a tenant or occupier in their homes, which is temporary and other people will stay there after them. If the tenants failed to take their part of tenancy then the government should pick up the bills for any work required as they are money coddling the tenants with the extraordinary rights to destroy the property, which can take months to put it right at a lot of expense. Not charge the LL, especially as they cannot provide any homes to the tenants retrospectively.

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Automated Assistant Read More