Millions of renters could benefit from a set of improved standards for rented homes, in the next step of the government’s biggest shake up of the private rented sector in 30 years.

The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities announced on 2 September that it has launched a consultation on introducing a ‘Decent Homes Standard’ to the PRS, which would mean landlords are legally bound to make sure their property meets a reasonable standard.

Most landlords in the private rented sector already meet high standards but a minority are failing to meet these. The consultation asks whether privately rented homes should be required to be kept in a good state of repair with efficient heating, suitable facilities, and free from serious hazards like major damp or fire risks. The consultation seeks views on whether such new standards should be introduced and on how they should be enforced.

Housing Secretary Greg Clark said: “Over a fifth of the 4.4 million privately rented homes in England are in poor condition. (This) move shows the government is getting on with delivering its levelling up mission, to halve the number of poor-quality rented homes by 2030.”