The Government has revealed more details about how the ‘corporate’ student sector, which competes with traditional landlords for tenants, will be regulated in the future.

Responding to a written question from fellow Labour MP Uma Kumaran in parliament, housing minister Matthew Pennycook (main image) revealed that Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) providers will be exempt from the looming Decent Homes Standard that the Renters’ Rights Bill will bring in for private landlords.

This standard, which has yet to be set out but is likely to define what ‘reasonable standards’ of repair and safety should be and set out what hazards should not be found in properties, will also be backed up by harsh fines.

These will be imposed by local councils and include fines of up to £40,000 as well as rent repayment orders which vary depending on the rent being paid.

But Pennycook revealed that PBSA landlords will not face these measures.

“The Bill will exempt PBSA from the assured tenancy system if the landlord is signed up to a government approved code of management practice,” he said.

“Such accommodation will therefore not be subject to the Decent Homes Standard, but landlords will need to meet rigorous standards set by the codes which are tailored to the needs of PBSA.

“This includes maintaining the safety of the accommodation, ensuring the property is well-managed and making sure there is an effective working relationship between tenants and managers.”

But providers who do not meet these standards will be ejected from this ‘code of practice’ scheme and will instead have to meet the Decent Homes Standard, he added.

A consultation about what the Decent Homes Standard will include is expected soon.