The Government is getting into hot water with the UK’s residential landlords.

And it’s all because of wash basins, baths, showers and toilets.

For, with less than a month to go before the new Housing Act is implemented, a new row is flaring up over how many hand basins there should be in a shared house.

The Residential Landlords Association has demanded clarification of the new regulations “before we plumb new depths and sink even deeper into Housing Act confusion,” says RLA solicitor Richard Jones.

It’s the latest in a series of run-ins between the Government and the RLA over the troubled Housing Act – which comes into force on 6 April.

And this one centres on there being no proper definition for a “unit of accommodation”.

So, says Richard Jones, “in a typical shared student house the Government seems to be suggesting that each bedroom is a unit of accommodation. Therefore – should each bedroom have its own fitted wash hand basin - in addition to any communal wash hand basins provided in toilets and bath or shower rooms?

“The RLA disagrees and believes that the new regulations mean that a shared house is just one unit of accommodation. This reflects the reality of how these properties are occupied.”

But it’s with toilets and bath or shower rooms that the Residential Landlords Association - whose members own over 100,000 private rented properties throughout the UK – hits even more problems. For the National Amenity Standards bring more bewilderment.

“With six tenants, for instance, we would normally suggest two rooms - a bath/shower room with toilet and an separate toilet with bath/shower. 

“But that appears to be too simple. Instead the regulations can be read as meaning you have to provide four rooms containing combinations of toilets, baths and, or, showers. And although bathrooms can have toilets in them, toilet rooms can’t contain baths or showers!

“Plus, of course, those wash hand basins in each bedroom. Did someone say ‘overkill’? By the end of the year we’re likely to have the cleanest students on the planet.

“But, in reality, it’s no laughing matter. With weeks to go it’s critically important to sort out the confusion … and without delay.”