The Government has announced plans to review the current health and safety standards for rental accommodation.

Councils are currently required to ensure rental properties in their area meet important safety standards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

Housing minister Heather Wheeler MP said on Friday that a new review of the system — the first in 12 years — will consider whether it should be updated and if so, to what extent.

The review will also look at whether to introduce minimum standards for common health and safety problems in rental accommodation, including ensuring carbon monoxide rules are fit for purpose.

‘Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their own home,’ said Ms Wheeler.

‘These reviews will allow us to revisit the current systems for health and safety ratings and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure that both are fit for purpose and meeting the needs of tenants.

‘By looking again at these rules, we can make sure that they are working as they should to keep people safe and give them peace of mind in their homes.’