Regulator warns social housing landlords of new sanctions

The regulator for social housing (RSH) has written to social housing providers warning about new standards that come into effect this week.

Under the new regulations from 1 April, landlords will be "routinely inspected" and could face sanctions including new management being appointed or unlimited fines.

The regulations comprise of four new consumer standards which require landlords to provide "safe and good-quality" homes for tenants, along with "good quality services".

Under these regulations, landlords must also treat tenants with "fairness and respect" to enable them to access services, "raise concerns when necessary and influence decision making". In addition landlords are required to "engage with other relevant parties so that tenants can live in safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods".

Furthermore, the tenancy standard sets requirements for fair allocation and letting of homes as well as requirements for how tenancies are managed.

The Housing Ombudsman Service’s complaint handling code also came into force on April 1, meaning that landlords will now have to respond to complaints within at least five working days.

Chief executive of the RSH Fiona MacGregor said: "Our new powers and approach give us the tools we need to drive sustainable long-term improvement in social housing landlords for the benefit of their tenants. We expect all landlords to deliver quality homes and services for their current and future tenants."

Minister for social housing Baroness Scott said the government is taking "strong action to improve the quality of social housing" and that if "landlords fail their residents, there will be consequences".

She added: "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."

Kwajo Tweneboa, social housing campaigner said he hoped the change in legislation would mean a more "proactive stance in scrutinising providers".

He said: "I hope this change in regulation will be enforced with maximum effect and put an end to the misery so many are going through."