MOT tests for rented properties urged
Property MOT tests should be imposed on rented homes to make sure they are fit for purpose and tackle poor conditions, a report has urged.
A review of the private rented sector in England by academics at the University of York argued current regulation of the private rented sector is confused.
The Evolving Private Rented Sector report suggests a “property MOT” could bring together and simplify existing regulation and help drive up standards in rented homes.
It would operate in a similar way to car MOTs – with homes undergoing a standardised annual inspection.
The MOT would bring together current requirements such as electrical and gas safety certificates but also include a new assessment according to a basic minimum standard.
The MOT test would be conducted by independent inspectors and would be a tax-deductible business cost for landlords, the review, funded by charity the Nationwide Foundation, suggested.
Julie Rugg, co-author of the report and senior research fellow at the University of York’s centre for housing policy, said there has been a surge in the number of people privately renting.
She continued: “We need to see a fundamental re-think of the role that private renting plays in our housing market and a comprehensive strategy to ensure it meets the needs of every renter.”
She said: “A property MOT would give people confidence before they sign a tenancy that the property is fit for purpose, and that standards won’t lapse in the future, while for landlords, it offers greater clarity and protection against prosecution.
“This proposal is just one way in which existing legislation can be simplified to make the sector work better for everyone.”
Leigh Pearce, chief executive of the Nationwide Foundation, said: “The private rented sector too often fails to provide decent and affordable homes, particularly for those on low incomes.”
David Smith, policy director for the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), said: “We welcome today’s report which the RLA contributed to.
“No-one should have to face living in sub-standard accommodation.”
Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said: “There are deep-rooted problems in the private rental sector. Our analysis shows that often tenants aren’t aware of their rights and landlords aren’t always clear about their legal responsibilities either.”
Polly Neate, chief executive, Shelter said, “There are clear steps the Government can take to improve private renting: longer tenancies, more protections for renters to tackle bad conditions, and helping councils crack down on rogue landlords.
“But private renting will never meet everyone’s needs. That’s why the Government must build more social homes to give low-income families the chance for a decent home.”
A Government spokeswoman said: “Landlords should be in no doubt that they have a responsibility to provide decent homes or face the consequences.”
The Government tracks “the small minority of landlords that are renting out unsafe and substandard accommodation” on a national database and has introduced banning orders for the most serious offences.
