The Minister revealed yesterday that the Government is to review the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which has not been updated in more than 12 years.
The review will also look at whether to introduce minimum standards for common health and safety problems in rental accommodation in order to keep renters safe.
Ministers have also outlined further detail of the review into carbon monoxide alarm requirements in the home, to help ensure people remain safe from this silent killer.
There are currently around 8 million carbon monoxide alarms in homes across England, with current rules stating that alarms must be fitted in privately rented homes with solid fuel appliances and when solid fuel stoves and boilers are installed.
The review will judge whether legislation goes far enough in keeping people safe from the risks of carbon monoxide in their homes, and whether there should be a blanket requirement to install alarms for other methods of heating, including gas and oil, and to social housing.
In addition, ministers have also introduced tough new powers for councils to tackle the small minority of rogue landlords who rent out overcrowded properties, including fines of up to £30,000 for those landlords who do not comply.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their own home,” said Ms Wheeler.
“These reviews will allow us to revisit the current systems for health and safety ratings and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure that both are fit for purpose and meeting the needs of tenants,” added the Minister.
“By looking again at these rules, we can make sure that they are working as they should to keep people safe and give them peace of mind in their homes.”
