Readers' blog: Slum closures will increase numbers of homeless

In response to the behaviour of slum landlords, an audit of all rental property has been called for. This would be akin to the NCT test to determine the roadworthiness of cars. But it is not viable and would worsen the housing crisis.

Closing down the slums will leave hundreds of tenants without homes. This will put extra demand on a market whose supply is already on the decline.

This time two years ago, a report by Sherry Fitzgerald estate agents noted that 13,500 rental units had been taken off the letting market since the start of that year, and anecdotal evidence suggests that that trend has continued.