The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its latest round of regulatory judgements, revealing varied performance levels among local authorities and housing associations. The judgements, released on 13 May 2026, assess landlords on consumer standards, governance, and financial viability, highlighting areas of strength and concern across the sector.
Key Findings from the Latest Judgements
The London Borough of Islington received a C3 consumer grade, indicating serious failings identified during inspection. The RSH found that Islington lacks an accurate understanding of tenants’ homes, with most property surveys conducted over a decade ago and without formal Housing Health and Safety Rating System assessments. Consequently, the council cannot assure compliance with the Decent Homes Standard. Additionally, health and safety compliance data accuracy was questioned, and over 1,000 lift remedial actions were overdue. The council, however, maintains that these issues do not pose critical safety risks and lifts remain operational.
Despite these shortcomings, Islington was commended for treating tenants with fairness and respect and for using tenant feedback to shape services. The council is actively engaging with RSH and taking steps to address the identified issues.
Strong Performers and Areas for Improvement
Two local authorities, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, achieved C1 consumer grades, signifying overall delivery of consumer standards. Hammersmith and Fulham demonstrated an accurate record of tenant home conditions, with plans to complete all surveys by June 2026. Nearly all homes (99%) meet the Decent Homes Standard, and councillors maintain oversight of health and safety compliance.
Stockport also showed a solid understanding of most homes, focusing on gaining access to remaining properties. It reported that 99% of homes meet the Decent Homes Standard and is actively ensuring compliance with health and safety requirements. Notably, Stockport manages several tall buildings with up-to-date fire risk assessments and ongoing remedial work where necessary.
Housing associations Housing 21 and Golden Lane Housing Limited received top grades across consumer, governance, and viability categories (C1, G1, and V1). These providers not only meet consumer standards but also demonstrate strong governance and financial resilience to manage adverse scenarios.
Salford City Council and Milton Keynes City Council were assigned C2 grades, indicating some weaknesses requiring improvement. Both councils have engaged constructively with RSH and are taking action to resolve issues.
Additional Regulatory Actions
RSH has placed GreenSquareAccord on the gradings under review list due to investigations into potential serious failings related to governance and financial viability standards. This step reflects RSH’s commitment to ensuring landlords meet required standards and take corrective action when necessary.
Context and Regulatory Framework
Since 1 April 2024, RSH has implemented revised consumer standards for social housing landlords, aiming to drive long-term sector improvements. These changes stem from the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include enhanced powers to hold landlords accountable. RSH’s regulatory approach involves inspections, responsive engagement, and grading landlords on consumer outcomes, governance, and financial viability.
Local authorities receive consumer gradings only, while housing associations are graded across all three areas. The regulator’s role is to promote a viable, efficient, and well-governed social housing sector capable of delivering quality homes and services.
What this means for landlords
Landlords should regard a C1 consumer grade as the minimum acceptable standard, reflecting a sound understanding of tenant home conditions and proactive management of issues. Achieving this grade requires accurate property data, timely repairs, and effective tenant engagement. Even landlords with a C1 grade have room for improvement but should have clear plans in place to enhance service delivery.
RSH’s findings emphasise the importance of robust health and safety compliance and transparent governance. Landlords failing to meet standards risk increased scrutiny and regulatory action, underscoring the need for continuous improvement and tenant-centred service models.
RSH Statement
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:
“All social landlords should aim for a C1 grade as the minimum standard. To do this they need to understand the condition of tenants’ homes and act on this to find and fix problems, and tackle the root cause. They also need to listen to tenants, treat them with fairness and respect, and use feedback to shape services. Landlords with a C1 grade still have room to improve, but they will have plans to deliver it.”
“When we find weaknesses or serious failures through our inspections or referrals, we work with landlords to make sure they improve for the long term.”
Source: Based on reporting from Regulator of Social Housing
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Source: www.gov.uk
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