The regulation of landlords in the regulated housing sector is undertaken by a body known as the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). They must regulate landlords in accordance with legislation, and a range of regulatory standards.
Details of how they undertake their regulatory functions and the standards which they apply can be accessed here:
Our economic and consumer regulation explained
If you want to find out if your landlord is registered with the RSH, you can search the RSH list of registered providers here.
Details of how to complain about a registered provider or the RSH can be accessed here.
Review of regulation
In November 2020, the Government set out it’s White Paper – The Charter for Social Housing in which it details the actions the government will take to ensure that residents in social housing are safe, are listened to, live in good quality homes, and have access to redress when things go wrong
The Charter contains 7 sections which are as follows:
To be safe in your home. We will work with industry and landlords to ensure every home is safe and secure.
To know how your landlord is performing, including on repairs, complaints and safety, and how it spends its money, so you can hold it to account.
To have your complaints dealt with promptly and fairly, with access to a strong ombudsman who will give you swift and fair redress when needed.
To be treated with respect, backed by a strong consumer regulator and improved consumer standards for tenants.
To have your voice heard by your landlord, for example through regular meetings, scrutiny panels or being on its board. The government will provide access to help, if you want it, for you to learn new skills to ensure your landlord listens.
To have a good quality home and neighbourhood to live in, with your landlord keeping your home in good repair.
To be supported to take your first step to ownership, so it is a ladder to other opportunities, should your circumstances allow.
The Charter will require legislation to implement the proposals and this will take time. However, whilst there are some additional changes that TAROE Trust would have liked to see included (see our initial response here), overall, it represents a positive step forward in raising standards for tenants and residents living in the sector.
TAROE Trust hosted a webinar on The Charter in February 2021, which included a presentation from Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive of the Regulator of Social Housing. A copy of the recording can be accessed here.
The White Paper builds on proposals set out in the Government’s 2018 Green Paper, details of which can be found here: