RSH writes to social landlords about the changes to regulation from 1 April
RSH's new approach puts the economic and consumer regulation of social housing on the same footing
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has written to all social housing landlords reminding them of the change to social housing regulation, which came into force on 1 April, and the new standards that they must now meet.
The regulator has previously set out details about its new approach to publications, including integrated inspections, regular reviews of information, responsive engagement, judgements and gradings. The new approach puts the economic and consumer regulation of social housing on the same footing and allows RSH to drive improvements in the quality of housing and services in all landlords while continuing to scrutinise the financial viability and governance of housing associations and other private registered providers.
In writing to landlords, RSH reminded them that the new standards apply from 1 April and that they have a responsibility to identify any material failings in meeting the standards and to put things right for tenants.
Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive of RSH, said
“Our new powers and approach give us the tools we need to drive sustainable long-term improvement in social housing landlords for the benefit of their tenants. We expect all landlords to deliver quality homes and services for their current and future tenants.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
RSH published details of its new approach on 29 February 2024. This included the following.
- A document called ‘Reshaping consumer regulation’ which summarises the key changes to RSH’s regulation.
- The final consumer standards that landlords will be regulated against from 1 April 2024, and related code of practice.
- A document called ‘Regulating the standards’ which explains how RSH will regulate, including its approach to inspections.
- The plan for undertaking landlord inspections. This includes a description of which landlords are subject to regular inspections and how often RSH will carry them out. The plan also sets out when RSH may carry out inspections which are not programmed.
- Guidance for using its enforcement powers
The four consumer standards which came into force on 1 April 2024 are:
- The Safety and Quality Standard which requires landlords to provide safe and good-quality homes for their tenants, along with good-quality landlord services.
- The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard which requires landlords to be open with tenants and treat them with fairness and respect so they can access services, raise concerns when necessary, influence decision making and hold their landlord to account.
- The Neighbourhood and Community Standard which requires landlords to engage with other relevant parties so that tenants can live in safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods, and feel safe in their homes.
- The Tenancy Standard which sets requirements for the fair allocation and letting of homes, as well as requirements for how tenancies are managed by landlords.
RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered. Following an expansion of its powers, from 1 April 2024, it has begun carrying out regulatory inspections of social landlords.
For press office contact details, see our Media enquiries page. For general queries, please email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk or call 0300 124 5225.