The National Residential Landlords Association says the government has chosen the wrong benchmark against which to judge property conditions.

Responding to proposals in the government’s Levelling Up White Paper that private rented homes will be required to meet the Decent Homes Standard, NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Every tenant should have the right to expect properties to be safe and secure. 

“The existing Decent Homes Standard however is not the right vehicle with which to achieve this important goal.

“At present, this standard – designed for the social rented sector – does not reflect many of the differences between it and the private rented sector. This includes the types and age of properties in each..

“We will work with the government to ensure whatever standards expected of the sector are proportionate, fit for purpose and can be properly enforced. 

“Without this, criminal landlords will continue to undermine the reputation of the vast majority of responsible landlords doing the right thing.”

The government is currently part way through a review of the Decent Homes Standard, which was announced almost exactly a year ago.

The Levelling Up White Paper has also announced plans to end Section 21 repossessions, consult on a national register of landlords and develop plans to better tackle rogue landlords.