Backing for industry-led change to safeguard tenants has climbed to new heights following the success of an event held in Westminster.

Private Rented Sector Safety Shocks, which took place on 10 December, promoted debate on a new, groundbreaking home safety certificate and package of supporting guidance.

Developed by a sub-group of influential industry forum the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR), the certificate brings together everything from legal requirements on gas and electrical safety checks as well as confirmation of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to a legionella risk assessment, falls prevention checklist and more.

MP and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group Barry Sheerman said: “Safety in the private rented sector is an issue that affects the lives of millions of tenants across the country. It is vital for government and industry to move forward together and this event represents a promising step along that road.”

Chair of the Home Safety Sub-Group of the Electrical Safety Roundtable, Charlotte Lee said: “It was fantastic to see such a great turnout. The support we received stands testament to the importance of the Home Safety Certificate in safeguarding tenants and empowering landlords to make informed choices.”

Representatives of over 40 prominent organisations attended the Private Rented Sector Safety Shocks event to progress an industry-led solution for an area of the housing market where a third of properties fail to meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard. This concept received support from: LABC, ARLA, Savills, JELF, NAPIT, Ombudsman Services, Propertychecklists.co.uk, and EcoSurv among others.