Threshold is calling for a national strategy on private rented housing.
The call coincides with the launch of the national housing charity's annual report for 2013.
Threshold says current legislation contains loopholes, which means families living in rental properties are not guaranteed a secure home.
The organisation is calling for a strategy which covers rent supplement, deposit protection and minimum standards in rented accommodation.
Threshold Chief Executive Bob Jordan says "rent certainty" must also be implemented:
