Your rights and our performance: Social Housing (Regulation) Act

Residents living in rented properties have been given increased rights to ensure they are living in safe, quality homes with reputable landlords following the introduction of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act. 

In July 2023, following a number of national cases which shocked the country, the Government introduced a new law which will hold rogue landlords to account by setting minimal standards that must be met.  

The intention of the act is to create a two-way relationship between residents and landlords, whilst ensuring landlords are providing homes that meet an agreed consumer standard. Those who fail to do so will now be subject to stricter consequences by the Regulator for Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman, including unlimited fines. 

From April 2024, the Regulator of Social Housing will be able to take strict action against landlords who fail to meet the standards which are focused around four consumer standards: 

• 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