Private landlords in Gedling borough could soon be forced by law into bring their properties up to a set of national standards for the first time as part of plans for the government’s levelling-up strategy.
The Times reports that Michael Gove, the housing secretary, will introduce fresh legislation that will require landlords to refit properties that don’t meet requirements to be “safe, warm and in a good state of repair”.
A new register that anyone renting a house must join will also be introduced, with rogue landlords being ejected from the list. All tenants in the private rental sector would also gain a new right to redress for complaints about their homes.
The moves, long demanded by campaigners, will bring the private rental sector into line with the obligations to rent out “decent” properties required of councils and housing associations with the intention that they be toughened and applied to the whole rented sector.
This could include new measures on energy efficiency, as well as a minimum standard of fixtures and fittings for furnished accommodation.
Ministers hope to halve the number of poor-quality rented homes by 2030.
Mr Gove is expected to announce the new measures on Wednesday.
Currently social housing landlords are required by law to keep their properties in a decent state of repair and periodically update them, there are no rules for the private sector.
