The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) reminds social landlords of the changes in Social Housing Regulation

In a recent announcement, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) alerted all social housing landlords about the recent change in social housing regulations. These changes took effect on April 1st, 2024, and all social landlords are expected to comply with the new standards. The regulator has outlined its updated approach to publications, incorporating integrated inspections, regular information reviews, responsive engagement, judgments, and grading.

New Social Housing rules effective 1st April 2024

This new approach ensures equal importance for economic and consumer regulation of social housing. It empowers the RSH to improve the quality of housing and services provided by all landlords. It also helps maintain a check on the financial viability and governance of housing associations and other registered providers.

Social Housing (Regulation) Act comes into force on 1st April 2024

In correspondence with landlords, RSH emphasised that the new standards have been in effect since April 1st. It reminded the landlords that they have to identify the significant shortcomings in meeting these standards and take corrective actions to benefit tenants. This marks the most significant change in social housing regulation in the past decade, following the enactment of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, which was a decisive moment for the social housing sector.

Social Housing (Regulation) Act benefits for tenants 

Under the updated rules, landlords are now required to:

Maintain clear records describing the condition of each home based on property assessments. This will enable landlords to identify and address any issues promptly.

• Establish clear timelines for completing repairs, maintenance, and planned improvements.
• Enable opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise landlord services through meetings with tenant organisations.
• Provide tenants with comprehensive information regarding their rights and procedures for making complaints.
• Publish new tenant satisfaction measures, offering transparency on landlord performance and enabling tenants to hold them accountable.

According to Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive of RSH, the new powers and approaches provide them with the necessary tools to drive sustainable, long-term improvements in social housing landlords, benefiting their tenants. The RSH expects all landlords to deliver quality homes and services for current and future tenants.

What is new because of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act?

The Social Housing (Regulation) Act comes into force on 1st April 2024 and prescribes a new approach that highlights integrated inspections, regular reviews, responsive engagement and clear judgments. It ensures that the economic and consumer regulation of social housing is equally prioritised. RSH aims to drive improvements in housing quality and services while scrutinising financial viability and governance. Landlords have had to adhere to new standards from April 1st 2024 and promptly address any identified shortcomings.

The new Safety and Quality Standard mandates safe, high-quality homes and landlord services.

The updated Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard requires fairness, respect and transparency towards tenants. Similarly, the Neighbourhood and Community Standard emphasises safe, well-maintained neighbourhoods and tenant security.

The Tenancy Standard sets fair home allocation, letting and tenancy management requirements. RSH aims to nurture a practical, well-organised, well-governed social housing sector that delivers superior social homes. Through robust regulation and standards, RSH ensures landlords, including local authorities and housing associations, are well-governed, financially stable and offer value for money. The Chief Executive has warned that appropriate action will be initiated if standards are not met, including regulatory inspections as of April 1st, 2024.