Strong Governance Key for Landlords to Boost Social Homes

RSH has published its regulatory casework review , which covers the key themes from its economic and consumer regulation over the past year. The findings come from RSH's inspections and responsive work with housing associations, other private registered providers and councils. Landlords must:

• Know that tenants are safe in their homes by having strong data and effective systems to track and fix problems, with clear accountability across the organisation.
• Embed an effective risk management culture with clear board or senior councillor oversight.
• Use data and insight to drive continuous improvement by identifying emerging issues and targeting interventions strategically.
• Demonstrate strategic value for money by setting clear objectives and linking spending decisions back to them, so they can improve existing homes and build new ones.
• Ensure strong governance of financial risks and performance, underpinned by robust stress testing and assets and liabilities data, so boards can challenge and intervene effectively.
• Work with RSH to protect tenants by making self-referrals at an early stage and addressing the root causes of problems.
• Listen to tenants' views to shape services and inform strategic decision making.

Each of these priorities links back to good governance. All social landlords, even those with the highest grades, should use the findings from the casework review to improve their approach. And even though RSH's governance requirements do not apply to councils, they can still use the lessons to improve outcomes for tenants.

Kate Dodsworth, Deputy Chief Executive at RSH, said:

"Social landlords have a crucial role to play in building more homes for people on waiting lists, while improving existing homes too.

"Two years ago, we were given a stronger role to go out and inspect landlords across the country. We are seeing very clearly that keeping tenants safe, having sound finances, and achieving value for money all depend on good governance. Landlords that prioritise quality data, stress test their plans, and address problems quickly are best placed to seize the opportunities afforded by additional grant funding - so they can build more and better social homes for tenants."

RSH holds landlords to account when they fail to meet the standards. Tenant safety remains the top priority, and landlords are required to take prompt action to address the issues and prevent them from recurring. RSH's focus on improvement is having a positive impact in the sector, with several landlords resolving problems and securing higher consumer and governance grades through the year.

Notes

1. On 1 April 2024, RSH introduced revised consumer standards and started a proactive inspection programme for landlords with over 1,000 homes. RSH also continues to review landlords' information regularly and investigate cases that are referred by tenants and other stakeholders.