In April 2024, a new consumer-focused regulatory regime was introduced to strengthen the voice of residents and rebalance the relationship between tenants and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). A central requirement of this regime is that landlords must demonstrate meaningful tenant involvement at every level of decision-making. This shift ensures that tenants are not only heard but are actively shaping the services and policies that affect their homes and communities. 

Who is the Regulator of Social Housing?

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) is the independent body responsible for overseeing social housing providers in England. Its primary role is to ensure that landlords, such as local authorities, housing associations, and ALMOs, deliver safe, well-managed, and high-quality homes for tenants. 

What are the Consumer Standards?

As of April 2024, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) introduced a new set of Consumer Standards designed to ensure that social housing tenants receive safe, high-quality homes and services, and that their voices are heard and acted upon. These standards apply to all registered providers, including local authorities and housing associations.

  • Safety and Quality Standard – Providing safe, good quality homes with good quality services 
  • Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard – Treating tenants with fairness and respect so they can access services, raise concerns, influence decision making and hold landlords to account 
  • Neighbourhood and Community Standard – Landlords engaging with relevant parties so tenants can live in safe well-maintained neighbourhoods and feel safe in their homes
  • Tenancy Standard – Providing fair allocation and letting of homes and management of tenancies

You can find out more about consumer standards from our video below. 

Who will be inspected?

The Regulator will engage with both Doncaster Council and St Leger Homes.  Whilst the City of Doncaster Council as the registered landlord is over all accountable, St Leger Homes has to meet standards set by the Government’s Regulator of Social Housing. This helps to make sure tenants are provided with safe, well-maintained homes and receive high-quality services.

 

 

When will we be inspected?

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) conducts both programmed and unannounced inspections of landlords. Large providers, such as St Leger Homes, are subject to inspection at least once every four years.  Inspection plan  - GOV.UK

CF2024_ConsumerStandards_update_v13_extended on Biteable.

What are Consumer Standards?

You can find out more about Consumer Standards by watching our short video. 

You can read more about social housing Consumer Standards and the standards that tenants can expect from their landlord at www.gov.uk/guidance/regulatory-standards

Housing - City of Doncaster Council