Plans to upgrade at least 880,000 private sector rented homes “in poor condition” moved forward when the government launched an industry consultation on the issue today.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities says it wants to hear views on plans to introduce a Decent Homes Standard to the rented sector, which would make landlords legally responsible for ensuring their properties meet “a reasonable standard”.

It says millions of renters could benefit from improved standards among these homes, which is the next step of the government’s “biggest shake up of the private rented sector in 30 years”.

The department says the majority of landlords in the private rented sector already meet high standards, but “over a fifth of the 4.4 million privately rented homes in England are in poor condition”.

It plans to halve the number of poor-quality rented homes in the UK by 2030.

The Decent Homes Standard is part of a package of reforms in the Fairer Private Rented Sector white paper published by the department in June.

The consultation is open to views from renters, landlords, councils, housing groups, letting agents, financial institutions and other parties.

Housing Secretary Greg Clark says: “I want to see a thriving private rented sector, but that does not mean that tenants should have to suffer homes that are not of a decent standard.

“This consultation asks what the minimum standard for privately rented homes should be.”

Generation Rent director Alicia Kennedy adds: “As the private rented sector has grown to overtake the social sector in size, not enough action has been taken on the poorer conditions private tenants must put up with.

“Private rented homes are more costly to heat and at a higher risk of disrepair and damp problems. There is no reason why private tenants should expect a worse service than social tenants.”

But National Residential Landlords Association chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Standards in the private rented sector are improving. That is why private renters are more likely to be satisfied with their accommodation than those in the social rented sector.

“The government’s plans should focus on making it easier for private landlords, tenants and councils to understand what is expected of them by simplifying the almost 170 laws already affecting the sector.

“The plans need to also recognise crucial differences between private and social rented housing, including in the age and types of properties in each.

“In the end, all the laws in the world will do nothing without improved enforcement against the minority of landlords who tarnish the reputation of the responsible, law-abiding majority.

“That requires properly resourced councils tackling the criminals and rogues, while allowing the responsible majority to easily prove their home is safe and compliant.”