Regulator urges social housing providers to check buildings do not contain RAAC

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has written to all registered social housing providers in England, urging them to check that their buildings do not contain Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Last week, the Government announced that school buildings made with the material should close immediately over concerns of sudden collapse.

RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete which was used in schools, colleges and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s, according to a government website.

In its letter to social housing providers, RSH noted that its current understanding was that RAAC is “not widespread in social housing”.

However, it added that it “may be present” in a small number of buildings dating from the 1950’s – 1980’s, particularly in flat roof and panel structures.

The letter continued: “We expect landlords to ensure that they have a good understanding of their homes, including building safety issues and whether homes contain RAAC components and the risk to tenant safety arising from these; that you develop proportionate mitigation and remediation plans where required; and seek suitably qualified advice where necessary.”

RSH requested landlords to ensure they “communicate appropriately” with tenants where this is an issue.

Last week, the Local Government Association (LGA) said it has been warning of the risk posed by RAAC "since 2018”.

The Government has also ordered tests on courts built in the 1990s after dangerous concrete was found at Harrow Crown Court, according to the BBC.

Lottie Winson