Decent homes standard in private housing

The Government expects our social housing stock to reach this standard by 2012/ 13, but has also set an expectation for properties within the private sector.

What is the expectation for the private sector?

The Government expects that 75% of properties in the private sector that are occupied by vulnerable households should be of a decent homes standard.

This would cover both privately rented and owner-occupied housing. Lambeth’s strategy is to achieve this target for the private sector by 2020.

What is meant by ‘vulnerable groups’?

For the purposes of decent homes in the private sector, the definition of ‘vulnerable groups’ includes people over the age of 60, households that consist of a person with a disability and children with families, who are on an income related benefit.

How will this be achieved?

Lambeth intends to take a balanced approach in achieving this. Where privately rented properties place tenants at risk, the Private Sector Housing Unit will take enforcement action.

Grants for both landlords and home-owners may be available, particularly in relation to energy efficiency. We also work with good landlords to acknowledge decent conditions and to assess where more work will be required.

The position of decent homes in the borough will be assessed through regular stock condition surveys, the next one being planned for 2008.