The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has initiated an independent evaluation to assess the effects of its consumer regulation reforms, which were introduced in April 2024. This evaluation aims to provide a clear understanding of how these regulatory changes have influenced social housing tenants and landlords across England.

Independent Consortium Appointed for Evaluation

To ensure a thorough and impartial review, RSH has appointed a consortium of independent research organisations, including RAND Europe, Shared Intelligence, and the Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research. Their expertise will contribute to a robust assessment of the reforms’ impact on the social housing sector.

The evaluation process will involve engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including landlords, tenants, and other relevant parties, to collect diverse perspectives. This approach is designed to capture a comprehensive picture of the reforms’ outcomes.

Purpose and Scope of the Evaluation

Director of Strategy Will Perry emphasised the importance of understanding the reforms’ practical effects, stating: “We want to understand if and how the reforms have led to change for social housing landlords and tenants.” He highlighted that the evaluation will not only support accountability but also provide valuable insights to guide future regulatory decisions.

The project is scheduled to span two years, with the final report anticipated in 2028. Throughout this period, RSH intends to incorporate lessons learned to refine its regulatory approach, ensuring it remains proportionate, risk-based, and focused on outcomes.

Background on Consumer Regulation Reforms

The consumer standards for social housing landlords were revised and implemented by RSH on 1 April 2024. These changes, stemming from the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, aim to drive long-term improvements within the sector by strengthening the powers to hold landlords accountable and introducing a programme of landlord inspections.

RSH’s regulatory framework focuses on promoting a viable, efficient, and well-governed social housing sector capable of delivering more and better homes. It sets standards and conducts rigorous regulation to ensure housing associations and local authorities meet governance, financial viability, and value-for-money criteria.

Engagement and Confidentiality

As part of the evaluation, a range of sector bodies and tenants will be invited to contribute their views. Importantly, individual responses from registered providers will not be used for regulatory enforcement purposes, ensuring a safe space for honest feedback.

RSH will communicate directly with registered providers and representative organisations to explain the evaluation process, invite participation, and seek consent to share contact details with the research team. Researchers may also use publicly available information to ensure a representative sample of providers and tenants is included.

What this means for landlords

For landlords, this evaluation represents an opportunity to influence the future direction of social housing regulation. Participation in the consultation process can help shape policies that affect operational practices and tenant relations. Understanding the outcomes of these reforms will also assist landlords in aligning with regulatory expectations and improving service delivery.

Landlords should be prepared to engage with the research consortium if contacted, as their input will contribute to a more effective and balanced regulatory environment. The findings may also inform future regulatory adjustments, potentially impacting compliance requirements and inspection regimes.

Source: Based on reporting from Regulator of Social Housing

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