The Regulator of Social
Housing has published its regulatory casework
review, which covers the key themes from its economic and
consumer regulation over the past year. The findings come from
RSH's inspections and responsive work with housing associations,
other private registered providers and councils. Landlords must:
- Know that tenants are safe in their homes by having strong
data and effective systems to track and fix problems, with clear
accountability across the organisation.
- Embed an effective risk management culture with clear board
or senior councillor oversight.
- Use data and insight to drive continuous improvement by
identifying emerging issues and targeting interventions
strategically.
- Demonstrate strategic value for money by setting clear
objectives and linking spending decisions back to them, so they
can improve existing homes and build new ones.
- Ensure strong governance of financial risks and performance,
underpinned by robust stress testing and assets and liabilities
data, so boards can challenge and intervene effectively.
- Work with RSH to protect tenants by making self-referrals at
an early stage and addressing the root causes of problems.
- Listen to tenants' views to shape services and inform
strategic decision making.
Each of these priorities links back to good governance. All
social landlords, even those with the highest grades, should use
the findings from the casework review to improve their approach.
And even though RSH's governance requirements do not apply to
councils, they can still use the lessons to improve outcomes for
tenants.
Kate Dodsworth, Deputy Chief Executive at RSH, said:
Social landlords have a crucial role to play in building more
homes for people on waiting lists, while improving existing homes
too.
Two years ago, we were given a stronger role to go out and
inspect landlords across the country. We are seeing very clearly
that keeping tenants safe, having sound finances, and achieving
value for money all depend on good governance. Landlords that
prioritise quality data, stress test their plans, and address
problems quickly are best placed to seize the opportunities
afforded by additional grant funding so they can build more and
better social homes for tenants.
RSH holds landlords to account when they fail to meet the
standards. Tenant safety remains the top priority, and landlords
are required to take prompt action to address the issues and
prevent them from recurring. RSH's focus on improvement is having
a positive impact in the sector, with several landlords resolving
problems and securing higher consumer and governance grades
through the year.
Notes to editors
- On 1 April 2024, RSH introduced revised consumer
standards and started a proactive inspection programme for
landlords with over 1,000 homes. RSH also continues to review
landlords' information regularly and investigate cases that are
referred by tenants and other stakeholders. For more information
about RSH's regulation see our How we regulate
page.
- In June 2026, RSH launched a discussion on the future of its
economic standards. More information is available in its More and
better social homes discussion
document and video.
- RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed
social housing sector able to deliver more and better social
homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust
regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords,
including local authorities, and ensuring that housing
associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer
value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of
the standards are not being delivered.
