The National Residential Landlords Association has called for the introduction of ‘property passports’ so landlords can prove their homes are compliant and tenants can identify decent and safe housing.
The passports – as the NRLA proposes – would certify that a property met all legal standards, while they would list improvements and contain copies of all safety certificates. Tenants would be able to access the passport online.
Local authorities would be able to conduct spot checks to verify the passport is a true record of the state of the property. For social sector landlords, an independent organisation would have the power to check that local authorities have conducted assessments correctly.
The NRLA said it is concerned about the minority of landlords who provide unsuitable housing and therefore damage the reputation of responsible landlords.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said: “We want to make it easier for the vast majority of compliant landlords to prove to tenants what they already do, namely providing decent and safe housing. Those who do not would have no option other than to shape up or ship out.
“This would be based on proving compliance with existing laws, not creating new regulations. With almost 170 laws affecting the private rented sector it can hardly be dubbed the wild west. What is needed is better understanding and enforcement of this existing legislation.”
The government has proposed that the existing Decent Homes Standard should be extended to apply to the private rented sector, not just social housing.
The NRLA argues this should be tailored to the private rented sector and bring together the 168 pieces of legislation already affecting it rather than introducing new requirements. What is needed is a standard that simplifies the measures that already exist and can be easily understood by tenants and landlords alike.
As it stands 88% of private rented properties in England have none of the most serious ‘Category One’ hazards whilst almost 94% have no damp problems.
Most (83%) private renters are satisfied with their accommodation, a higher proportion than in the social rented sector.