Listen Up Landlords is the National Residential Landlords Association’s (NRLA) official podcast, offering expert insight, practical advice and industry updates for landlords across the private rented sector. 

In the latest episode, hosts Ben Beadle and Richard Blanco explore a range of topical issues in the private rented sector, including the growing popularity of selling properties with tenants in situ, as well as a rise in student tenancy queries ahead of the new academic year. This episode also features insight from Alan Davies, Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner and Director of Housing at RHE Global, who contributes at the 17:45 mark, discussing the Government’s proposed Decent Homes Standard and what it could mean for landlords and local authorities as part of wider reforms.

Alan shared insights into the Government’s plans for the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to apply not only to social housing but also to extend to the private rented sector. He explained that this move forms part of the wider reforms proposed in the Renters’ Reform Bill and is intended to create a more consistent, enforceable baseline for housing quality across both sectors.

Alan noted that many private rented homes already meet the proposed standard, and where improvements are needed, they often relate to a single issue, highlighting an opportunity for targeted action. He also stressed the importance of a clear implementation timeline, both to allow landlords time to plan and schedule necessary works and to enable local authorities to prepare for consistent and effective enforcement.

On the issue of damp and mould, Alan reinforced the growing expectation that landlords must take primary responsibility for investigating and addressing any building-related causes. At the same time, he acknowledged the role of tenant education and support in tackling the wider contributing factors.

Overall, the episode provides timely and practical insights for landlords navigating upcoming changes in the sector, particularly around property standards and compliance. You can find the full episode on the NRLA website or stream it on Spotify here.