No fewer than one in five rental properties need improvement to meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard, It’s claimed.

A survey by ECC Paragon says the standard – being introduced as part of the Renters Rights Bill – shows 21% of private rented homes in England fall below the proposed DHS threshold.

The figure is a lower 11.6% in London but soars to 31% in the North West and 27% in Yorkshire & Humber

Over a quarter of homes also fall below the standard in the East Midlands (26.4%) and South West (25.7%).

The government states that for a property to be considered ‘decent’ under the proposed standard, it must be in a reasonable state of repair, have reasonably modern facilities and services, provide a reasonable amount of thermal comfort, and contain no so-called Category 1 hazards under the The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

Category 1 hazards include damp and mold growth, excess cold or heat, asbestos, carbon monoxide, and potential trip of fall hazards.

FCC Paragon managing director Bekki Leaves says: “Nobody can argue that the introduction of a Decent Homes Standard is anything but a positive move for the UK rental market and it will help ensure that all  landlords provide a home fit for purpose, with functioning heating, working facilities, and an absence of dangerous hazards.

“The good news is that the vast majority of landlords are already providing quality homes and won’t need to make upgrades to their properties because they already surpass this new minimum standard. For those who aren’t, compliance is key, as If they fail to do so, the DHS gives local councils a range of mechanisms to uphold the standard, such as strict timeframes within which to improve the standard of their properties.

“Landlords who fail to comply with this council action can be fined up to £7,000, forced to repay rent to impacted tenants, and even face criminal prosecution.”