The introduction of the Decent Homes Standard has prompted calls for the Government to avoid adding further layers of regulation for landlords.

In its formal response to the consultation, which closed on 10 September, industry not for profit accreditation body urged policymakers to take a balanced approach. 

The organisation emphasised its commitment to collaborating with the Government to shape a standard that is both practical and effective—one that promotes ongoing improvements across the private rented sector without burdening landlords with unnecessary bureaucracy.

A chief executive of the company, said: “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.”

In its submission, the company also urged the Government to revisit the structure of DHS Criterion C, arguing that its current complexity and lack of cohesion have resulted in inconsistencies and confusion.

The chief executive added: “For example, under the proposals every private rented house must be fitted with adequate external noise insulation, but the same does not apply to every private rented flat, and with no indication of how adequacy would be assessed.”

In light of the tragic death of Awaab Ishak the company acknowledged the importance of highlighting the issue of damp and mould in rental housing. However, the organisation also raised concerns about whether the Government’s current regulatory approach strikes the right balance between enforcement and practicality.

The spokesperson said:: “Any damp and mould issue can already be enforced under HHSRS, while any disrepair to the structure of the building or deficiencies with the heating and ventilation will be captured by DHS Criterion B. With the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and Awaab’s Law soon to be rolled out to the PRS, we see no need to add another layer of damp and mould regulation under proposed DHS Criterion E. This would impose another discretionary power for councils to intervene, duplicating the HHRS and adding no meaningful value.”

The company also argued against introducing a new home security standard for the private rented sector, noting that the wide variation in property types makes it impractical to apply a one-size-fits-all approach.

The C.E. added: “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.”