RSH finalises requirements for electrical safety checks TSM

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has finalised and published the Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) for electrical safety checks, marking a significant development in social housing regulation in England. From the 2026/27 reporting year, large social housing landlords will be required to report on electrical safety compliance, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to tenant safety and transparency in housing management.

Introduction of Electrical Safety Checks TSM

The RSH has introduced a new Tenant Satisfaction Measure specifically focused on electrical safety checks within social housing. This measure becomes mandatory from 11 June 2026, targeting large landlords—defined as those managing more than 1,000 homes—who must publish their electrical safety TSM data for the 2026/27 reporting year. Smaller landlords will follow suit for reporting years ending 31 March 2027 and beyond.

This addition complements the suite of TSMs already in place since 2022, which cover other critical safety areas such as fire, gas, asbestos, water, and lift safety. The electrical safety TSM was initially excluded pending government consultation, but with new statutory requirements now established, the RSH has incorporated it into its broader building safety framework.

Background and Consultation Process

The electrical safety TSM was developed following extensive consultation involving tenants, landlords, service providers, and other stakeholders. This engagement ran concurrently with a consultation on the Transparency, Influence & Accountability (TI&A) Standard, ensuring that the new measure aligns with wider regulatory expectations. Feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, with 87% of respondents agreeing that the TSM would provide an appropriate level of information on landlord performance regarding electrical safety checks.

In response to consultation input, the RSH made incremental refinements to clarify aspects such as the timing of communal area electrical checks for reporting purposes. The final version of the TSM aims to provide a consistent and transparent benchmark for landlords’ compliance with electrical safety obligations, both within individual homes and communal spaces.

Scope and Regulatory Context

The electrical safety TSM is designed to work alongside existing building safety measures, providing a comprehensive overview of landlords’ statutory compliance. It covers all legal obligations related to electrical safety, reinforcing that landlords must continue to identify and meet all health and safety requirements for their tenants. Importantly, the introduction of the TSM does not alter landlords’ legal duties but rather formalises a standardised reporting mechanism to improve transparency and tenant assurance.

Landlords are also reminded of their ongoing responsibility to self-report any significant issues concerning non-compliance or potential breaches of safety standards. The TSM is based on the last day of a landlord’s reporting year, typically 31 March for large landlords, with the first published results expected in 2027.

Implications for Social Housing Providers

For social housing landlords, the electrical safety TSM represents both a compliance requirement and an opportunity to demonstrate commitment to tenant safety. The measure provides a clear framework for reporting, enabling landlords to benchmark performance and identify areas for improvement. It also supports tenants’ right to access information about the safety of their homes, fostering greater trust and accountability.

While the TSM does not replace existing legal obligations, it reinforces the importance of maintaining robust electrical safety management systems. Landlords should ensure that their processes for conducting and recording electrical safety checks are thorough, up to date, and capable of meeting the new reporting standards. This may require reviewing current compliance practices and engaging with contractors or service providers to guarantee timely and accurate data collection.

What this means for landlords

Landlords managing social housing stock should prepare for the introduction of the electrical safety TSM by reviewing their current electrical safety compliance frameworks. This includes ensuring that all required checks are carried out within statutory timescales and that records are maintained accurately to support transparent reporting. Landlords may need to update their internal systems to capture the necessary data for the TSM and ensure it can be published in line with RSH requirements.

Letting agents and property managers working with social housing providers should familiarise themselves with the new TSM criteria and support landlords in meeting these obligations. While the TSM does not change legal duties, it adds a layer of public accountability that could influence tenant relations and regulatory assessments. Proactive engagement with tenants about electrical safety and reporting may also help manage expectations and foster confidence in housing management.

What TLA members should consider

• Review and update electrical safety check schedules to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and readiness for TSM reporting.
• Implement or enhance record-keeping systems to accurately capture and report electrical safety data for both individual homes and communal areas.
• Engage with tenants to communicate the importance of electrical safety and the forthcoming transparency measures to build trust and awareness.
• Coordinate with contractors and service providers to confirm that electrical safety inspections are conducted timely and meet quality standards.
• Monitor developments related to the Transparency, Influence & Accountability Standard consultation, as outcomes may further impact reporting and compliance obligations.
• Consider accessing relevant training and resources through the TLA Academy to stay informed and prepared for regulatory changes.

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association provides structured guidance, compliance education and practical support for landlords, letting agents and property professionals. Members can access training and resources designed to help them stay organised, informed and prepared.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access member support can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/get-started-with-the-landlord-association/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is continuing to expand its support, resources and partner network for landlords, tenants, agents and property professionals across the UK. Service providers interested in working with TLA can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/