safeagent, the UK’s largest not-for-profit accreditation scheme for lettings and management agents, has submitted a detailed response to the Government’s consultation on the Decent Homes Standard (DHS), which closed this week.
The organisation said it fully supports the principle that all rented homes should provide tenants with safe, warm and decent accommodation.
But it warned that adding further layers of regulation risks undermining the effectiveness of the reforms.
safeagent’s consultation response highlights several concerns with the Government’s proposals.
POINTS OF CONCERN
Criterion C: Described as overly complex and disjointed, with inconsistencies such as external noise insulation being mandated for houses but not flats, and no clear measure of adequacy.
Damp and mould: While acknowledging the need for action following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, safeagent argued that existing laws – including HHSRS, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and Awaab’s Law – already cover these risks, making additional regulation unnecessary.
Home security: safeagent said developing a universal security standard for the PRS is impractical given the diversity of housing stock.
PUBLISH THE HHSRS REVIEW
Isobel Thomson, Chief Executive of safeagent, says: “We fully support the principle that all rented homes should provide tenants with safe, warm and decent accommodation.
“While many of the building blocks are already in place, such as the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) – which are both being updated – we urge the Government to publish the HHSRS Review that completed in 2022.
“This will bring clarity and certainty for the lettings industry about what these changes mean on a practical level.”
STREAMLINE REGULATIONS
And she adds: “The way to drive up decent homes compliance in the private rented sector is not new layers of regulation.
“The key issue is under-resourcing of local authority housing enforcement and trading standards teams that are tasked with tackling the worst and most prolific offenders.
“Unless we succeed in tackling under-resourcing, a new Decent Homes Standard could have minimal impact.
“Overall, there’s a pressing need to simplify and streamline the housing regulatory model, which will benefit all interested parties including landlords, agents, tenants and local authority enforcement officers.”
