The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published its latest round of regulatory judgements, revealing a mixed picture across several local authorities and housing associations. The findings highlight areas of concern, particularly for the London Borough of Islington, while recognising positive progress in others.

Summary of Key Judgements

The London Borough of Islington received a C3 consumer grade, indicating serious failings identified during inspection. The council lacks an accurate understanding of the condition of tenants’ homes, with most surveys conducted over a decade ago and no formal Housing Health and Safety Rating System assessment. Additionally, health and safety compliance data was found to be of limited assurance, and there were over 1,000 overdue lift remedial actions, though these were not deemed critical safety risks.

Despite these issues, Islington was noted for treating tenants with fairness and respect and engaging them to shape services. The council is cooperating constructively with RSH and is taking steps to address the identified problems.

Positive Outcomes for Other Councils and Housing Associations

Two local authorities, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, were awarded C1 grades, signifying that they are delivering the outcomes expected under the consumer standards. Hammersmith and Fulham maintain 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 have oversight of health and safety compliance.

Stockport similarly has a good understanding of most homes, focusing on those it has yet to access. It also reports that 99% of homes meet the Decent Homes Standard and is actively ensuring compliance with legal health and safety requirements. The council manages several tall buildings, all with up-to-date fire risk assessments and ongoing remedial work where necessary.

Housing associations Housing 21 and Golden Lane Housing Limited received strong grades across consumer, governance, and financial viability categories (G1, V1, and C1). These organisations not only meet consumer standards but also demonstrate sound governance and financial capacity to handle adverse scenarios.

Areas Needing Improvement

Salford City Council and Milton Keynes City Council were graded C2, indicating some weaknesses and the need for improvements. Both councils have engaged constructively with RSH and are actively addressing the issues raised.

Additionally, GreenSquareAccord has been placed on the gradings under review list while RSH investigates potential serious failings related to governance and financial viability standards.

Context and Regulatory Framework

Since 1 April 2024, RSH has implemented revised consumer standards for social housing landlords, aiming to drive long-term improvements. These changes, stemming from the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023, include stronger powers to hold landlords accountable and a programme of landlord inspections.

RSH’s regulatory approach involves assessing consumer, governance, and viability standards. Local authorities receive consumer gradings only, while housing associations are assessed across all three areas. The regulator promotes a well-governed, financially viable social housing sector capable of delivering quality homes and value for money.

What this means for landlords

Landlords should regard a C1 consumer grade as the minimum acceptable standard. Achieving this requires a thorough understanding of the condition of tenants’ homes, prompt action to resolve issues, and effective engagement with tenants to ensure services meet their needs. While a C1 grade indicates compliance, there remains scope for further improvement.

Where serious weaknesses or failures are found, RSH works closely with landlords to ensure sustainable improvements. This regulatory scrutiny underscores the importance of robust property management, accurate record-keeping, and transparent tenant communication for social landlords and housing providers.

RSH Statement

Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, commented: “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.”

She added, “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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