The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its latest round of regulatory judgements as of 13 May 2026, assessing the performance and compliance of various local authorities and housing associations across England. These judgements reflect the sector’s ongoing efforts to meet consumer standards, governance, and financial viability requirements under the revised regulatory framework introduced in April 2024.
Key Findings from the Latest Judgements
The London Borough of Islington received a concerning C3 consumer grade, indicating serious failings in its management of social housing. The RSH identified significant issues, including an outdated understanding of tenants’ homes, with most surveys conducted over a decade ago and lacking formal Housing Health and Safety Rating System assessments. Consequently, the council could not assure compliance with the Decent Homes Standard. Additionally, data on health and safety compliance was found to be of limited accuracy, and over 1,000 overdue lift remedial actions were reported, although the council stated these did not pose critical safety risks or require lift closures.
Despite these shortcomings, Islington was recognised for treating tenants with fairness and respect and involving them in shaping services. The council has engaged constructively with the regulator and is actively addressing the identified issues.
Positive Outcomes for Other Councils and Housing Associations
Two local authorities, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, achieved C1 consumer grades, denoting that they are delivering the expected outcomes of the consumer standards. Hammersmith and Fulham maintains an accurate record of tenants’ home conditions, with plans to complete all surveys by June 2026. Nearly all homes (99%) meet the Decent Homes Standard, and councillors oversee health and safety performance across key compliance areas.
Similarly, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council has a good understanding of most homes, focusing efforts on accessing the remainder. It reported that 99% of homes meet the Decent Homes Standard and is taking all reasonable steps to comply with health and safety legislation. Notably, the council manages several tall buildings, all of which have up-to-date fire risk assessments with ongoing remedial work and necessary mitigations.
Housing associations Housing 21 and Golden Lane Housing Limited received top grades across consumer, governance, and financial viability categories (G1, V1, and C1). These organisations not only meet consumer standards but also demonstrate strong governance and financial resilience, capable of managing adverse scenarios effectively.
Areas Needing Improvement
Salford City Council and Milton Keynes City Council were awarded C2 consumer grades, indicating some weaknesses and the need for improvements. Both councils have shown constructive engagement with the RSH and are taking steps to address the issues identified.
Additionally, GreenSquareAccord has been placed on the gradings under review list while the regulator investigates potential serious failings related to governance and financial viability standards.
Context and Regulatory Framework
The revised consumer standards introduced by the RSH on 1 April 2024 aim to drive long-term improvements in social housing. These changes stem from the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include enhanced powers to hold landlords accountable. The RSH’s regulatory approach involves inspections, responsive engagement, and grading assessments across consumer, governance, and viability standards. Local authorities receive consumer gradings only, while housing associations are assessed across all three areas.
What this means for landlords
RSH Chief of Regulatory Engagement Kate Dodsworth emphasised that all social landlords should aim for at least a C1 consumer grade. Achieving this requires a thorough understanding of tenants’ home conditions, prompt action to resolve issues, and addressing root causes. Landlords must also ensure they listen to tenants, treat them fairly, and use feedback to improve services. While a C1 grade indicates compliance, there remains room for improvement, and landlords should have clear plans to progress further.
Where serious weaknesses or failures are identified, the RSH works closely with landlords to secure long-term improvements, reinforcing the importance of robust governance, financial viability, and consumer standards in delivering quality social housing.
Source: Based on reporting from Regulator of Social Housing
TLA Training Academy
The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.
Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/
Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/
TLA update
The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/
Source: www.gov.uk
TLA - The Landlord Association