The Social Market Foundation responds to the Government’s Private Rented Sector White Paper.
Amy Norman, Senior Researcher at SMF, said: “The SMF welcomes many of the proposed reforms published to ensure a renewed sense of security and standards for renters.
“As the private rented sector has doubled in size over the past two decades, today’s tenants are renting for longer and want to make their house a home – whether that’s by owning a pet, making decorative changes, or having the stability of longer tenancies. It’s only right that policy is updated to reflect this.
“We welcome the right to request a pet, but believe the Government can go further to give renters more control over their homes. One of the biggest and most glaring challenges for policymakers still remains – how to insulate British homes and reduce volatile energy bills for households.
“It is disappointing to see the previously proposed upgrade of EPC regulations missing from the white paper. With many renters wanting an environmentally-friendly home, and the Government’s commitment to delivering net zero, there was a missed opportunity to go beyond the Decent Homes Standard to decarbonise the private rented sector.”
