Four landlords get their first consumer grades from RSH

Summary: Four landlords, including two housing associations and two local authorities, have received their first consumer grades from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) as part of new regulatory judgements published on 8 July 2026. The grades reflect their performance against updated consumer standards introduced in April 2024, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

Four landlords receive initial consumer grades from RSH

On 8 July 2026, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) published its first consumer grades for four landlords: Aster Group, Charnwood Borough Council, Dover District Council, and Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA) Limited. These judgements follow the introduction of revised consumer standards on 1 April 2024, aimed at driving long-term improvements in social housing.

Aster Group was awarded a C1 consumer grade, while Charnwood Borough Council, Dover District Council, and ISHA received C2 grades. Both Aster and ISHA also retained their previously assessed governance (G1) and financial viability (V2) grades.

Performance highlights and areas for improvement

The RSH found that Aster Group is effectively delivering consumer standards outcomes, with governance arrangements that support risk management and the achievement of strategic and charitable objectives.

Charnwood Borough Council demonstrated reasonable knowledge of its housing stock, having surveyed 87% of its homes in the past five years. It identified that 3.85% of its homes did not meet the Decent Homes Standard but has a planned maintenance programme to manage hazards with remedial works either completed or scheduled. The council provides an effective and timely repairs service and has taken steps to improve contract management and tenant engagement, including establishing a tenant liaison team. However, RSH noted weaknesses in monitoring and reporting anti-social behaviour services and in addressing the diverse needs of tenants.

Dover District Council showed some weaknesses in recording and monitoring anti-social behaviour and hate incidents, as well as in using data to prevent and tackle such cases. The council demonstrated a respectful culture towards tenants and some understanding of their diverse needs but recognises the need for further improvements. Plans include revising the tenant engagement strategy and enhancing tenant data to inform strategic decisions.

ISHA was found to have shortcomings in ensuring timely completion of actions arising from fire risk assessments. The housing association also faces challenges in co-operating with tenants and other organisations to ensure the safety of shared spaces. Despite clear anti-social behaviour policies, tenant satisfaction remains low, prompting ongoing improvements to its complaints service to ensure fairness and promptness.

Context of the new consumer standards and regulatory approach

The revised consumer standards introduced by RSH on 1 April 2024 stem from the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, which strengthened regulatory powers and emphasised tenant engagement and service quality. RSH’s approach includes landlord inspections and a focus on continuous improvement driven by tenant feedback and data analysis.

Local authorities receive consumer gradings only, while housing associations are also assessed on governance and financial viability. RSH does not grade small landlords with fewer than 1,000 homes unless serious weaknesses are identified.

Practical implications for landlords and agents

These initial consumer grades provide landlords and agents with insights into regulatory expectations and highlight the importance of robust tenant engagement, effective repairs and maintenance, and comprehensive risk management. Addressing identified weaknesses, particularly in anti-social behaviour services and fire safety compliance, will be essential to meet evolving standards and improve tenant satisfaction.

Keeping your rental properties compliant

As regulatory standards evolve, landlords must maintain thorough records of property conditions, repairs, tenant communications, and risk assessments. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT™, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords organise portfolios, manage key documents, and track compliance activity in one place.

Membership of TLA offers access to practical compliance resources and guidance tailored to the changing social housing landscape. This support can assist landlords in responding effectively to regulatory requirements and improving service delivery. Readers may wish to explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT™ BETA access to enhance their property management and compliance processes.