National minimum bedroom size proposed to prevent exploitation by landlords

A national minimum size could be set for rented bedrooms under new proposals announced in a new discussion paper by housing minister Brandon Lewis.

The plans are aimed at stopping landlords renting out cramped spaces at extortionate prices.

Under the proposals, mandatory licencing would be extended to smaller and medium-sized properties.

Where a landlord fails to obtain a licence they are liable to pay a potentially unlimited fine.

"It is simply unacceptable that people are living in cramped, unsafe accommodation provided by landlords who are more interested in a quick profit than the safety or welfare of their tenants," Lewis said.

"The actions of these rogue landlords are helping fuel illegal working, benefit fraud, and illegal immigration by creating a shadow housing market that carries dangers to people’s health as well as communities.

"The government is determined to crack down on rogue landlords and these measures, alongside those in the Housing Bill, will further strengthen councils’ powers to tackle poor-quality privately rented homes in their area."