New standards for landlords are set to come into effect next month
LANDLORDS must listen to complaints and treat tenants with fairness and respect under new standards aimed at better regulating the sector in the wake of past failings – including the death of Awaab Ishak in Rochdale.
Larger landlords will be inspected regularly to check they are meeting standards, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) said.
The changes, which came about through the Social Housing Regulation Act, will come into effect from April 1.
“Social landlords must keep tenants safe in their homes, listen to what they say and put things right when needed,” Fiona Macgregor, RSH chief executive, said.
“We are introducing new standards to drive improvements in social housing, and we will actively inspect landlords to check they are meeting them.
“We have spoken to thousands of tenants and other stakeholders who have helped shape our new approach, and we are extremely grateful for their input and involvement. It is vital that landlords make sure they are ready.”
The changes follow a Government commitment following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 to a strengthening of the accountability of landlords for providing safe homes, quality services and treating
residents with respect.
The death in December 2020 of toddler Awaab Ishak, who suffered from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould at his housing association flat in Rochdale, also caused outrage and calls for change.
It also prompted, following campaigning from the Observer and our sister paper, the Manchester Evening News, the passage of Awaab’s
Law with a requirement for landlords to fix reported hazards in social housing, such as mould, in a ‘timely fashion’ or rehouse tenants in safe accommodation.
The new standards, developed after a consultation of more than 1,000 people which ended in October, include scrutiny of data about tenant satisfaction and repairs, and a push on landlords to protect tenants and address problems.