Government to consult on new housing standards for the PRS

The government has unveiled a series of new measures aimed at ensuring decent homes for all private rented sector (PRS) tenants in the UK.

These measures include a new Decent Homes Standard for the rented sector, the introduction of Awaab’s Law legislation, and enhanced access to information for tenants.

The consultation, which will launch as soon as possible, will also see the new Decent Homes Standard for both the social and private rented sectors being part of the consultation.

This standard will set out the minimum requirements that all rented properties must meet, ensuring that tenants can expect safe and secure housing.

Protections will be extended to the PRS

A government spokesperson said: “Awaab’s Law legislation for the social rented sector will be brought forward this autumn, and protections will be extended to the PRS through the Renters’ Rights Bill.”

This law will require landlords to investigate and remediate hazards such as damp and mould within set timeframes.

To empower tenants to hold their social landlords accountable, the government will introduce new access to information requirements for housing associations.

This will, it says, allow tenants to access the information they need to understand their rights and ensure that their landlords are meeting their obligations.

Competence and Conduct standard

Also, the government will introduce a new Competence and Conduct standard for the social rented sector.

This standard will ensure that staff have the necessary skills, behaviours, and experience to support tenants, particularly those who may be vulnerable.

The standard will include qualification requirements for senior managers and executives, helping to raise standards across the sector.

The government will also bring forward plans for high-quality housebuilding through the revised National Planning Policy Framework this autumn.