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Tory MPs today voted down a rule that would have forced landlords to ensure their properties were fit for human habitation.

Shadow housing minister Teresa Pearce called for the new rules to be added to the new Housing Bill, currently being rammed through Parliament by the Government.

The new rules would require all private sector landlords to make sure their properties are fit for people to live in.

She said: "The majority of landlords let property which is and remains in a decent standard.

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"Many landlords go out of their way to ensure that even the slightest safety hazard is sorted quickly and efficiently.

"So it is even more distressing when we see reports of homes which are frankly unfit for human habitation being let, often at obscene prices."

Read more:How David Cameron plans to destroy Britain's social housing in 7 easy steps

Ms Pearce said the problems experienced by some renters - like mould on the walls - would not be tolerated in other consumer areas.

She asked: "Where else in modern day life could someone get away with this?"

"It's a consumer issue. If I purchased a mobile phone or a computer that didn't work, didn't do what it said it would or was unsafe I would take it back and get a refund.

poll loading Should landlords have to make their homes fit to live in? 1000+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

"If I purchased food from a shop and it was unsafe to eat I would not only get a refund but there is a high possibility the shopkeeper could be prosecuted.

"Yet if I rent from a landlord, perhaps the only available property for me, and it was unsafe to live in then I can either put up or shut up.

"In a market where demand outstrips supply renters lack basic consumer power to bargain for better conditions."

Replying to Ms Pearce, Local Government minister Marcus Jones said: "New clause 52 would result in unnecessary regulation and cost to landlords which would deter further investment and push up rents for tenants.

"Of course we believe that all homes should be of a decent standard and all tenants should have a safe place to live regardless of tenure, but local authorities already have strong and effective powers to deal with poor quality and safe accommodation and we expect them to use them."

The amendment was defeated by 219 votes, to 312, a majority of 93.