Decent Homes Standard will achieve little without funded enforcement, agents warn

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Letting agents have warned that the Government’s Decent Homes Standard plans for England will be pointless unless councils have the resources to enforce the new rules.

A Decent Homes Standard, which will require all private landlords to attain minimum standards of quality for their properties or face criminal charges, was included within the recent ‘Fairer Renting’ white paper. This in turn is expected to form the looming but much-delayed Renters Reform Bill.

Propertymark says many struggle to enforce the current standards within the private rented sector, never mind any new responsibilities, which will be difficult to manage without more money to fund it – which is unlikely to be forthcoming in the current financial climate.

Instead, Propertymark says a better approach would be prevention rather than prosecution including more information and support for landlords along with national and consistent national guidelines.

Letting agents say enforcement of existing rules can be inconsistent between different areas, and that any new legislation must give tenants as well as landlords new responsibilities – often properties are in a poor condition due to tenant neglect or poor behaviour particularly when mould s the problem.#

Immense strain

“It’s hard to find a reason not to support greater standards for homes within the private rented sector,” says Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark (pictured).

“Tenants should expect a certain standard when renting from any agent. The Decent Homes Standard creates a level playing field that our members will appreciate as they already go above and beyond what is expected of them.

“That being said, the DLUHC needs to understand the immense strain local authorities are facing when delivering their current duties regarding existing standards.

“Sufficient resources and commitment will be required to ensure consistent and regular enforcement of the Decent Homes Standard.”

Read Propertymark’s submission to the Decent Homes Standard consultation.

View Full Article: Decent Homes Standard will achieve little without funded enforcement, agents warn

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