The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has called for clear rules on the Decent Homes Standard for private rented homes, set to be introduced under the Renters’ Rights Bill.
The association wants the Government to publish a review of the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) so landlords can self-regulate with confidence.
The consultation closed this week.
Government plans will see the new standard replace the one that currently just covers social housing, extending it to both social and private rented homes.
To pass, a home must be free from category 1 HHSRS hazards, be in a reasonable state of repair, have reasonably modern facilities, meet new thermal comfort requirements linked to energy efficiency, and be free of all but the most minor cases of damp or mould.
The suggested start date is either 2035 or 2037, giving landlords time to adjust to new minimum energy efficiency standards coming in by 2030.
However, tougher enforcement powers on Category 1 hazards are expected as soon as next year.
Local authorities will be able to issue on the spot fines of up to £40,000 if a category 1 hazard is found.
Councils will also have a duty to take action, which could mean more fines.
Most private rented homes are already free of category 1 hazards.
The HHSRS, though, has been criticised as unclear and hard to use, making it difficult for landlords to identify hazards themselves.
A review of the system finished in 2022 with recommendations for improvement but these have not yet been brought in.
This lack of clarity could cause issues when the new enforcement powers begin, according to NRLA.
Currently, councils usually issue an improvement or informal notice first, giving landlords time to fix problems.
In the future, councils could issue a fine immediately.
Chris Norris, policy director at the NRLA, said: “No tenant should live in an unsafe home or be subject to damp and mould resulting from an inadequate property, and landlords want to provide homes that are safe and free from hazards.
“However, landlords must be given the tools to identify and rectify hazards in the home if the system is to be fair.
“We are recommending that the HHSRS review’s recommendations are implemented before the new enforcement powers are introduced.”
Norris added: “This would give landlords the opportunity to self-regulate and provide decent homes without the fear of fines from an opaque system.”
