Regulator writes to remind social landlords of new standards and responsibilities as consumer reforms come into force

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has written to the chief executives of all social housing landlords reminding them of changes to its regulatory powers and the new standards that they must now meet, following commencement of the four new consumer standards on 1 April.

The four consumer standards 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.

The RSH has also notified those landlords subject to the first wave of integrated inspections. It will publish regulatory judgements following inspections or responsive engagement. Where appropriate, these will include the Regulator’s new consumer grades as well as any relevant governance or viability grades.

Those who do not abide by these new rules face a range of potential sanctions, including appointing new management or unlimited fines.

In the letter to landlords, Fiona MacGregor, chief executive of RSH, noted that its consumer regulation was now on the same footing as economic regulation, “allowing us 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”.

Baroness Scott, Minister for Social Housing, said: “Everyone deserves a decent home and to be treated with fairness and respect. That’s why we are taking strong action to improve the quality of social housing and the services landlords provide. If landlords fail their residents, there will be consequences.

“This is a significant milestone in our work to put right some of the issues laid bare by the devastating Grenfell Tower tragedy, and I have huge admiration for the bereaved families, survivors and community who have campaigned tirelessly for improvements in the sector.”

MacGregor said: “We welcome the new powers, which will put our consumer regulation on an equal footing with our economic role. We will hold landlords to account for delivering the outcomes of our new consumer standards and drive improvement across the social housing sector, for the benefit of tenants.“ 

Kwajo Tweneboa, a social housing campaigner said: “I hope this change in legislation will now mean a more proactive stance in scrutinising providers. For a long time Social Housing Providers have evaded accountability for providing substandard housing to many across the country.

“As someone who has experienced this first hand, I hope this change in regulation will be enforced with maximum effect and put an end to the misery so many are going through. The recognition that a safe and decent home is a necessity to the lives of us all and isn’t exclusive to those living outside of social housing should - I hope, mean a new era for many millions across the UK.”

Harry Rodd