Propertymark has published its response to the public consultation on the new decent homes standard (DHS) for the private rented sector and calls for a focus on prevention via provision to landlords of advice/information and support rather than prosecution when it comes to enforcement of the standard.

However, the letting agents' body points out that local authorities will struggle to ensure compliance with the standard without proper resourcing and says that "DLUHC needs to understand the immense strain local authorities are facing when delivering their current duties regarding existing standards. Sufficient resources and commitment will be required to ensure consistent and regular enforcement of the decent Homes Standard". The trade body also calls for national guidelines for local authorities so that enforcement is consistent across the board and says there should also be some accountability on the part of tenants.

The consultation response further says "If local authorities ...... are required to carry out additional inspections, they will need to receive an increase in funding. If they do not receive this, our fear is that non-compliant landlords and agents will continue to provide substandard housing and the new Standard will have little impact on the quality of homes".

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, said "It's hard to find a reason not to support greater standards for homes within the private rented sector .... The Decent Homes Standard creates a level playing field that our members will appreciate ..."

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