Yesterday, the Government launched a consultation on proposals to reform the Decent Homes Standard, extending it beyond social housing to include privately rented homes in England.
The move aims to ensure that all renters, regardless of tenure, can expect a safe, warm, and secure place to live.
Propertymark, the professional body for property agents, responded positively to the announcement but stressed the importance of sector-specific understanding and effective implementation.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “Propertymark member agents want to see safe and secure homes across the private and social rented sector, so we welcome a further review of proposals to ensure all renters have a safe, warm and decent home.”
Douglas emphasised the need for a tailored approach that recognises the diversity of housing stock and ownership models.
Calling on the Government to ensure that reforms are balanced and inclusive, he said: “What’s key is that policymakers understand the different property types within both the private and social rented sectors, that they provide a level playing field between qualification requirements for property managers and focus on greater partnerships with agents, tenants and landlords to ensure the success of these measures.”
While welcoming the new consultation, Douglas also highlighted that this is not the first time such proposals have been explored.
He pointed to ongoing concerns about how new rules will be enforced.
He added: “The issue has been consulted on before and with many property agents continuing to operate to professional standards, they still want to know through this new consultation process, how the UK Government will ensure local authorities are adequately resourced and funded so they can enforce the rules effectively.”
