Liz Jarvis MP: Lib Dems win reforms to end mouldy, flooded homes for military families

Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, Liz Jarvis, has hailed a breakthrough victory to bring military family homes up to the Decent Homes Standard in law, after years of campaigning by families and the party.

The change, secured after the Government conceded to a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill, will for the first time require the Ministry of Defence to assess Service Family Accommodation every year and report on whether it meets the Decent Homes Standard - creating a clear statutory mechanism for identifying and addressing shortcomings.

The Government initially rejected the Liberal Democrat amendment but conceded after sustained campaigning by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament.

Liberal Democrat research earlier this year revealed over 400 families were forced to apply for emergency repairs over VE Day in 2025, as some service families were living in damp, mouldy, and even rat-infested homes.

Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said:

“I’m proud that the Liberal Democrats have successfully changed the law so our service families will finally have homes that are decent and safe to live in.

“Those who serve our country deserve better than mould, damp, and cold homes. This change will help ensure they and their families can live with dignity and security.

“I’m proud to have supported my colleagues in achieving this crucial reform, and I’ll keep pushing for better housing standards across Eastleigh.”