THE standards in private accommodation have never been so high with most accommodation from 1989 comprising of self contained flats, most of which have double glazing and gas central heating, with most landlords having a policy of upgrading standards on a regular basis, with more and more legislation being implemented on to private landlords over the last ten years creating improved accommodation.

Article December 4, (Citizen) -- to say that there are no building regulations it totally wrong and absurd. Landlords have to be passed by the council, with all regulations in placed, whether accredited or not, and where the rents are concerned these are assessed by Government Fair Rent officers, subject to the number of occupants and standard of accommodation. The results may be slightly higher than the housing association's rents, but this is due to a non level playing field, created by subsidies to housing associations and being paid in a shorter period of time by the local authorities and subsidised mortgages over a long period of time, or no mortgage at all which the private landlord cannot obtain or compete with.

Mr Davenport

Private landlord