RSH publishes its annual consumer regulation review report

Article summary

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its eighth annual review of social housing consumer regulation. The report details how RSH responded to consumer regulation referrals during 2019/20, including breaches of consumer standards. The report also shows that the number of cases where the RSH has discovered a breach has expanded considerably compared to earlier years, in part reflecting the increased number of referrals from local authorities. It sets out six key exercises for all providers. These lessons include encouraging housing associations and local authorities to ensure tenants are safe by meeting all wellbeing and safety requirements, 'treating tenants fairly and taking into account their diverse needs, and responding to complaints from all tenants effectively, including shared owners'. In addition, RSH highlights the significance of social housing providers being clear on legal and regulatory requirements, 'having strong governance arrangements, and having good quality information and effective frameworks'.