White paper on rental reform expected 'in Spring'

This week the Government published its ‘Levelling Up’ White Paper, which contained some proposals relating to the private rented sector.

This included a plan that private rented homes will be required to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Responding to proposals in the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ White Paper that private rented homes will be required to meet the Decent Homes Standard, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association said:

“Every tenant should have the right to expect properties to be safe and secure. The existing Decent Homes Standard however is not the right vehicle with which to achieve this important goal.

“At present, this standard, designed for the social rented sector, does not reflect many of the differences between it and the private rented sector. This includes the types and age of properties in each.

“We will work with the Government to ensure whatever standards expected of the sector are proportionate, fit for purpose and can be properly enforced. Without this, criminal landlords will continue to undermine the reputation of the vast majority of responsible landlords doing the right thing.”

The paper also re-announced plans to end Section 21 repossessions, consult on a national register of landlords and develop plans to better tackle rogue landlords.

In a paragraph on page 226 of the white paper, the Government notes that it will publish its specific white paper on the private rented sector “in the spring”.

• Last year, the NRLA set out our proposals for the private rented sector, in our report: A New Deal for the Private Rented Sector. The proposals were sent to the Government. Read more here.
• To view the Government's Levelling up White Paper click here. The press release can be read online here.