A new Safe and Decent Homes report released this week by Shelter and British Gas says that: “The large number of amateur and accidental landlords has led to a lack of professionalism and expertise on conditions and standards”.

The rental market is ‘dominated’ by these landlords, “many of whom have little or no relevant experience or qualifications”.

Just one in 20 landlords belongs to an accreditation scheme and campaigners are calling for a mandatory national register. This would force those renting properties to prove they meet basic safety standards and undergo training on their rights and responsibilities towards tenants.

And there needs to be a change in the law so that landlords have to ensure their properties are actually fit to live in, adds the report.

The report cites a recent survey of 4,500 private renters, which revealed 61 per cent have suffered from either damp, mould, leaking roofs or windows, “electrical hazards, animal infestations and gas leaks” in the past year. At least 360,000 people have had a gas leak or suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning. More than one in seven has lived with “electrical hazards” such as exposed wiring. Leaking roofs or windows have affected one in four tenants. And 38 per cent of renters have had damp problems – this equates to more than 3.4 million people.

This is not simply a criticism of private landlords, many of whom genuinely try to provide a service.

However, we as a society need to ensure that hardworking families have a decent place to live in, that landlords are aware of their responsibilities and that good landlords are not simply undercut by the irresponsible. Just as we have regulations for safe gas and electricity, we need safe housing.

I hope that local councils will investigate and implement schemes to ensure that this vital service is of a proper standard, even more essential in the present circumstances of cuts in local Government finances.

Lee Dalton Rylands Nook Fairview Road Weymouth