If you thought the Renters' Rights Act was the end of the changes affecting landlords, think again.

A new report from Parliament's Housing Committee has set out where the Government is expected to focus next, and it's clear that standards in the private rented sector are only going to become more demanding.

The report supports the direction of the Renters' Rights Act and recommends even stronger enforcement powers for councils, earlier intervention against poor housing and greater transparency for landlords. 

What does this mean for landlords in Essex & Suffolk?

1. Property standards are becoming increasingly important

The Committee believes every privately rented property should eventually meet the new Decent Homes Standard.

This will require properties to:

• be free from Category 1 hazards 
• be in a reasonable state of repair 
• provide suitable kitchens and bathrooms 
• provide adequate thermal comfort 
• be free from damp and mould 

Although compliance is currently scheduled for 2035, the Committee is encouraging Government to persuade landlords to improve properties much sooner. 

2. Damp and mould remain a major enforcement priority

One of the strongest messages throughout the report is that landlords must deal with damp and mould quickly.

The Committee wants Awaab's Law introduced into the private rented sector as soon as possible, recommending it is rolled out this year and fully operational by 2028/29.

This would introduce legally enforceable timescales for landlords to investigate and resolve serious hazards. 

3. Energy efficiency cannot be ignored

The Government remains committed to improving EPC standards.

Current proposals require most rented properties to meet the equivalent of EPC C by 2030, subject to exemptions.

The report supports these proposals and recommends councils receive sufficient funding to enforce them properly. 

4. The Private Rented Sector Database is becoming increasingly important

The Committee wants the new PRS Database to become much more than simply a registration system.

Its recommendations include:

• allowing landlords to demonstrate compliance 
• allowing tenants to view property information 
• providing compliance guidance 
• enabling tenants to report concerns 
• allowing landlords to voluntarily confirm their properties already meet future standards 

Good landlords could use the database to demonstrate that they operate professionally. 

5. Councils are expected to become much more proactive

The report repeatedly calls for local authorities to receive additional funding and stronger powers.

Future enforcement is expected to become increasingly proactive rather than complaint-led.

Rather than waiting for tenants to report problems, councils may actively identify properties requiring improvement. 

What should landlords be doing now?

Rather than waiting until legislation forces change, landlords should start preparing today.

We recommend:

• Review your property's condition before tenants identify problems. 
• Deal with damp, mould and condensation immediately. 
• Plan ahead for future EPC improvements. 
• Keep full records of inspections, maintenance and repairs. 
• Carry out regular property inspections. 
• Ensure all compliance certificates remain up to date. 
• Budget for future improvements instead of leaving everything until the final deadline. 
• Consider professional management if you're unsure about your legal responsibilities. 

The direction of travel is clear. The Government wants better quality homes, more proactive enforcement and greater accountability. Landlords who prepare early are likely to find compliance far easier than those who wait until changes become mandatory.

At Boydens, our fully managed service is designed to keep landlords ahead of legislative change, helping you remain compliant while protecting both your investment and your tenants.