The proposed new consumer standards are designed to protect tenants and improve the service they receive. The will apply to all social landlords
Today (29 February 2024) RSH has set out its new standards for social housing landlords, designed to protect tenants and improve the service they receive. RSH has also confirmed how it will regulate landlords against these standards.
The changes, which are a result of the landmark Social Housing Regulation Act, come into effect from 1 April 2024. They will apply to all social landlords, including councils and housing associations.
Under the new standards landlords will need to:
Most social housing tenants live in decent homes, but RSH is clear that all landlords can improve. To hold landlords to account, it will:
RSH has engaged extensively with tenants, landlords and other stakeholders in developing this stronger approach. Over 1,000 people took part in RSH’s standards consultation, with more than 50% of responses coming from tenants. The overwhelming majority of people supported the proposals.
The inspection programme will start from April and run in four-year cycles.
Along with the inspections, RSH will continue its responsive engagement, considering cases referred by tenants and other stakeholders, and taking action against landlords when required.
Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive of RSH, said:
Notes to Editors
To set out its new regulatory approach, RSH has today published a pack of information for the social housing sector. This includes:
The four consumer standards are:
RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by undertaking robust economic regulation focusing on governance, financial viability and value for money that maintains lender confidence and protects the taxpayer. It also sets consumer standards and may take action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered. RSH’s remit on consumer issues is expanding and, from April 2024, it will begin carrying out regulatory inspections of social landlords.