Consumer standards
On 20 July 2023, the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 became law. The Regulator of Social Housing welcomes the enhanced consumer regulation role and additional powers that will give it the tools to fulfil its new role.
As part of the new consumer regulatory framework, registered providers will have to comply with a revised set of consumer standards. These are the requirements they will use to confirm their commitment to improving the quality of social housing and services. In order for the new consumer regulatory framework to be a success, it must provide meaningful outcomes to tenants, be deliverable by landlords, and have the ability to be regulated against.
The New Consumer standards (April 2024)
The Safety and Quality Standard
Requires landlords to provide safe and good quality homes and landlord services to tenants.
The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard
Requires landlords to be open with tenants and treat them with fairness and respect so that tenants can access services, raise complaints, when necessary, influence decision making and hold their landlord to account.
The Neighbourhood and Community Standard
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
Sets requirements for the fair allocation and letting of homes and for how those tenancies are managed and ended by landlords