RSH highlights importance of landlords understanding homes

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has highlighted the importance of social landlords understanding the condition of their tenants' homes.

A new report has concluded that this is essential for keeping tenants safe. 

RSH found that stronger landlords have up-to-date stock condition survey coverage of their homes, which they use to respond quickly to rectify hazards.

Strong landlords also use stock condition data to build a strategic approach to investment and provide better value for money by proactively addressing potential issues rather than reactively.

They also have effective governance processes and oversight and use suitably skilled and accredited surveyors to carry out the work.

According to figures, almost all the C3 and C4 judgements that RSH has published since April 2024 related to the landlord failing to meet the Safety and Quality standard. In nearly three quarters of these cases, the issues included low stock condition survey coverage or a failure to demonstrate an understanding of tenants’ homes.

Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said: "Many social landlords are putting significant time and resources into understanding and improving the quality of tenants’ homes. This is a crucial requirement of our standards and underpins good governance, sound financial decision making, delivering value for money, and providing good quality homes and services for tenants.  

"Having a strong understanding of tenants’ homes enables landlords to provide more and better homes for people who need them. All landlords should read this report and use the findings to improve their approach."