Housing Conditions in England: Inquiry

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee seeks written submissions to help inform its inquiry into the condition of homes in England. The inquiry will focus on:

• the prevalence of housing hazards, such as damp, mould and overcrowding, in social housing, the private rented sector and temporary accommodation;

• the quality of new-build homes, in the context of the Government's target to build 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament;

• whether the Government's proposed reforms, including to the Decent Homes Standard and the application of Awaab's Law, (See Forbes article on this) will improve conditions in social housing and the private rented sector,

• whether these reforms will impact housing supply;

• and the role technology can play in helping to monitor and improve the condition of homes.

Submissions are required by 15 August 2025.

Separately, following its consultation on the introduction and enforcement of a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) in the private rented sector in England, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that it will introduce the DHS to the private rented sector (PRS) as part of the Renters' Rights Bill 2024-25. Through this it intends to: introduce powers to allow ministers to establish an enforceable DHS for the PRS; use the regulation making power to set the standard that will apply to PRS after the DHS is reviewed and updated; introduce a duty on landlords to ensure that their properties meet the DHS, including penalties for non-compliance with this duty; and give local authorities strengthened powers to enforce where landlords fail to keep their property to the appropriate standard, including being able to issue improvement notices.

Forbes Comment:

The inquiry offers the opportunity to social housing providers to have their say and will seek to evaluate the effectiveness of forthcoming reform.  If you need assistance with your submission or advice generally on the reforms, please do contact us.