Labour will continue to ramp up the pressure on landlords to update their properties by consulting on a Decent Homes Standard, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner (main image) has revealed.

The consultation, which will launch as soon as possible, will set out a standard for safe, secure housing in both social housing and private rented properties.

Under the minimum standards which currently cover the social sector, a property needs to be in a reasonable state of repair, including the roof, kitchens and heating systems, with efficient heating and effective insulation. There should also be adequate noise insulation, and space in the common entrance areas.

The previous government’s consultation estimated that 79% of properties in the PRS already meet the current standard and won’t require any additional investment. However, this leaves 21% of properties that will need to invest in upgrades.

Clamp down

In her conference speech, Rayner pledged to “clamp down on damp and mouldy homes” by implementing Awaab’s law and extending it to cover the private rented sector and extending "it to the private rented sector too", she added.

The law – which requires landlords to take swift action to fix health hazards - will be brought forward this autumn in the social sector, with protections extended to the PRS through the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Local councils are currently obliged to identify any hazards in private rented properties and take enforcement action against landlords. The government says implementing this legislation for social housing and extending protections to the private rented sector will support tenants to secure faster repairs, reducing health and safety risks.

The new laws are also expected to come with more enforcement powers for councils.