Summary: The Regulator of Social Housing has published a preview of the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) Direction, which sets out requirements for registered providers in England. This Direction will come into effect on 1 October 2026 and aims to improve tenant satisfaction through new regulatory measures.
Preview of Tenant Satisfaction Measures Direction for Registered Providers
The Regulator of Social Housing has released a preview of the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) Direction, which outlines new requirements for registered providers in England. The Direction is designed to enhance tenant satisfaction by establishing clear standards and reporting obligations.
This Direction is scheduled to come into force on 1 October 2026. Registered providers will need to prepare for compliance with the new measures ahead of this date.
Access to the Draft Direction Documents
The Regulator has made available both an accessible HTML version and a comprehensive PDF document of the draft Tenant Satisfaction Measures Direction. The PDF is 77 pages long and may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Those requiring an accessible format can request one by emailing enquiries@rsh.gov.uk, specifying the preferred format and assistive technology used.
Context and Sector Impact
The TSM Direction forms part of ongoing efforts to improve social housing quality and tenant experience in England. It complements other regulatory initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability and transparency among housing providers.
Important Dates and Updates
The Direction was first published on 9 December 2025 and was last updated on 9 July 2026 to provide an updated preview ahead of its implementation.
Related Topics
- Council housing and housing association
- Housing for older and vulnerable people
- Housing regulation
- Rented housing sector
Preparing Your Portfolio for the New Requirements
With the Tenant Satisfaction Measures Direction coming into effect from 1 October 2026, landlords and housing providers should begin reviewing their current tenant engagement and satisfaction monitoring processes. Ensuring that tenant feedback mechanisms and reporting systems are in place will be essential to meet the new regulatory expectations.
Providers may also want to familiarise themselves with the full Direction document to understand the scope and detail of the requirements. Early preparation can help mitigate compliance risks and improve tenant relations.
Practical support for TLA members
The Tenant Satisfaction Measures Direction introduces new compliance and reporting obligations that will require landlords and housing providers to organise tenant feedback and satisfaction data effectively. TLA membership offers access to practical compliance resources and guidance tailored to the evolving regulatory landscape.
TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, currently available in BETA testing as ORBIT™, is being developed to assist landlords and letting agents in organising property portfolios, managing important documents, and recording compliance activity. This can be particularly useful for tracking tenant satisfaction measures and maintaining evidence of compliance.
Members can explore TLA membership to access these resources and learn more about ORBIT™ BETA access, helping them prepare for the changes ahead.
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