The government – at least until it changes under the new Prime Minister to be announced today – is moving forward on at least one proposal for radical rental reform.

The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities has launched a consultation on introducing a Decent Homes Standard to the private rented sector, which would mean landlords are legally bound to make sure a property meets a reasonable standard.

This already applies in the social housing sector and the government says that the aim is to ensure all landlords in the private rented sector meet similar standards.

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. It also seeks views on how they should be enforced.

The initiative has been broadly welcomed but Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, says by itself it does not guarantee improvements.

He says: “Standards in the private rented sector are improving. That is why private renters are more likely to be satisfied with their accommodation than those in the social rented sector.

“The plans should focus on making it easier for private landlords, tenants and councils to understand what is expected of them by simplifying the almost 170 laws already affecting the sector. 

“The plans need to also recognise crucial differences between private and social rented housing, including in the age and types of properties in each.

“In the end, all the laws in the world will do nothing without improved enforcement against the minority of landlords who tarnish the reputation of the responsible, law-abiding majority. 

“That requires properly resourced councils tackling the criminals and rogues, whilst allowing the responsible majority to easily prove their home is safe and compliant.”

Baroness Alicia Kennedy, director of Generation Rent, has backed the idea, saying: 

“We welcome these plans to extend the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes. As the private rented sector has grown to overtake the social sector in size, not enough action has been taken on the poorer conditions private tenants must put up with. 

“Private rented homes are more costly to heat and at a higher risk of disrepair and damp problems. There is no reason why private tenants should expect a worse service than social tenants.

“This crucial measure will help tenants get value for money, whoever they rent from, and stop landlords from profiting by cutting corners.”

The consultation will run for six weeks: you can see it here and comments should be submitted by 11.45pm on October 14.