Ellie Ames 19 January 2024

Fresh call for minimum standards to protect private renters

Fresh call for minimum standards to protect private renters image
Image: Yevhen Prozhyrko / Shutterstock.com

MPs have urged the Government to protect tenants from the ‘catastrophic’ impact of poor-quality homes on their health.

The Decent Homes Standard for social housing tenants should be updated ‘without delay’ and extended to the private rented sector, in line with a government commitment made more than three years ago, a new report by the Health and Social Care Committee says.

The Standard has not been updated since 2006.

The committee welcomed proposals to require social landlords to fix hazards including damp and mould within ‘strict time limits’ under ‘Awaab’s Law’, which will be introduced by the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.

However, the Government must consider safeguards against unsafe housing conditions for those who rent in the private sector, committee chair Steve Brine said.

Mr Brine added: ‘Poor quality homes can have a catastrophic impact on the health of the those who live in them.

‘The death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his home should leave ministers in no doubt that tenants in both the social and private rented sectors deserve greater protection by law.’

The call from MPs comes after charities described reports that asylum accommodation is likely to be exempt from Awaab’s Law as 'unacceptable'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Safeguarding Business Support

Wakefield Council
£12,792.00 - £13,634.50, Grade 5, 18.5 hours, Temporary- 12 Months Maternity Cover
An opportunity has arisen for an Administrator to support the Integrated Front Door Service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Registered Homes Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending) plus £2,500 recruitment/retention allowance and £3,500 market supplement. The salary with additional payments equate to an earning potential per annum of £58,805 at the top of the grade.
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager, Connected Carers

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending)
Are you passionate about supporting children to remain within their family networks? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team worki Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner