The mayor of London has set out proposals to improve conditions in the private rented sector through self-regulation.

Boris Johnson has published plans for a ‘voluntary and transparent’ London Rental Standard to be launched next year. The standard was a commitment in Mr Johnson’s election manifesto. The standard, which will be consulted on, has been described by the Greater London Authority as ‘a new deal with landlords, letting agents and tenants’.

It contains 12 commitments, including around protection of deposits, provision of contact details, repair response times, property condition, the handling of complaints, fee transparency and landlord and letting agent training. The mayor will look to encourage accrediting organisations to offer incentives for landlords to sign up to the standard. These could include discounts on supplies and services.