Asylum seekers to lose basic housing protections in move to cut hotel use

Exclusive: ministers plan to exempt asylum seekers' landlords from rules including minimum room sizes

Ministers are removing basic housing protections from asylum seekers under new rules designed to move tens of thousands out of hotels and into the private rented sector.

The changes would exempt landlords from regulations governing everything from electrical safety to minimum room sizes, leading campaigners to warn that the government is preparing to cram people into small spaces in an effort to alleviate the crisis in asylum seeker accommodation.

A gas safety certificate every year.

Working smoke alarms for every inhabited storey.

If requested, a declaration that electrical appliances and furniture are safe.

Written statement of the terms of occupancy to tenants.

A carbon monoxide alarm in every inhabited room with a gas or oil heater.

A declaration from a qualified electrician that electrical fittings are safe.

Bedrooms that are at least:
- 6.51 sq metres for a room used by one person aged 10 or over.
- 10.22 sq metres for a room used by two persons aged 10 years or over.
- 4.64 sq metres for a room used by one person aged under 10 years.