National housing charity Threshold is calling on the Government to introduce a strategy on the private rental sector as a matter of urgency.
Ahead of the launch of its 2013 annual report today, Threshold has said rental properties now provide housing for one-in-five families but poor regulation and loopholes in existing legislation means there is little security for tenants.
Over the past decade Threshold has helped over 209,000 tenants with housing problems.
Poor standards and repairs were the number one reason people contacted the agency last year but deposit retention by landlords has been the single biggest issue since 2004.
The charity is today calling on the Government to set out a vision for the sector.
It says existing legislation, introduced in 2004, has not been flexible enough to keep pace with the growth in the rental market.
Among its recommendations is a certification scheme for landlords, similar to the NCT for cars.
A review of rent supplements and how they apply in light of rising rents nationwide is needed, as is clarity for tenants who find themselves in buy-to-let properties in receivership.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said tenants' rights will be addressed in the New Year when the Residential Tenancies Act is reviewed.
He also said a deposit protection scheme, to be operated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, has been approved by Government and will be legislated for as part of this review.
