Millions of renters could benefit from new Government plans that would force their landlord to improve their home.
Ministers have launched a consultation on introducing a new Decent Homes Standard to the private rental sector.
If changes are brought in, landlords could be legally bound to make sure their property meets a reasonable standard.
This could include making sure homes have efficient heating, suitable facilities and are free from serious hazards such as major damp or fire risks.
The consultation will ask for views on how such measures should be enforced.
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Renters, landlords, councils and housing groups will take part in discussions over the next six weeks.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) said the move comes as part of plans to halve the number of poor-quality homes by 2030.
It comes after the latest English Housing Survey found 23% of the 4.4million occupied homes in the private rented sector did not meet the Decent Homes Standard.
This is higher than the proportion of owner occupied (14%) and social rented homes (11%).
Introducing the Decent Homes Standard to the private rental sector was one of the measures announced by the Government in its Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper back in June.
The Decent Homes Standard currently applies to social housing – except leasehold and shared ownership properties.
The paper also included proposals to replace Section 21 "no fault" eviction notices and give tenants “stronger powers to challenge poor practice, unjustified rent increases”.
Housing Secretary Greg Clark said: "I want to see a thriving private rented sector, but that does not mean that tenants should have to suffer homes that are not of decent standard.
"This consultation asks what the minimum standard for privately rented homes should be."
Alicia Kennedy, director of Generation Rent, said: "We welcome these plans to extend the Decent Homes Standard to private rented homes.
"As the private rented sector has grown to overtake the social sector in size, not enough action has been taken on the poorer conditions private tenants must put up with.
"Private rented homes are more costly to heat and at a higher risk of disrepair and damp problems."
She said: "This crucial measure will help tenants get value for money, whoever they rent from, and stop landlords from profiting by cutting corners."
Gavin Smart, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: "All renters should be able to live in decent, well-maintained homes.
"We look forward to seeing the details set out in the consultation and discussing the proposals with our members."
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: "It's high time that conditions in the private rented sector are brought up to scratch.
“For too long, private renters have been stuck paying through the nose for homes that aren't even fit to live in.
"The Government plans to introduce a Decent Homes Standard have the potential to set clear duties for landlords and give renters more protection from unsafe conditions."
