The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published new measures aimed at increasing transparency for social housing tenants in England and raising standards across the sector.
RSH has published the outcome of its consultation on revisions to the Transparency, Influence and Accountability (TIA) standard – including Social Tenant Access to Information (STAIRs) requirements – and a separate Competence and Conduct (C&C) standard.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had already consulted on C&C and STAIRs. RSH’s consultation was intended to ensure the directions issued by MHCLG as a result were accurately reflected in its own standards.
RSH had originally proposed incorporating the C&C requirements within the TIA standard. However, following feedback received through the consultation, it decided to create a separate C&C standard to increase visibility for tenants and landlords.
The C&C requirements are designed to drive greater professionalism and raise standards by ensuring relevant housing staff have the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours needed to deliver a high standard of service to tenants. Senior housing managers and executives will also be required to hold, or be working towards, a housing management qualification.
The STAIRs requirements will give tenants of private registered providers (PRPs) a similar level of access to information on the management of social housing as local authority tenants currently have. PRPs will be required to proactively publish certain information about their activities, as set out in the government’s policy statement, and tenants will be able to formally request relevant information and receive timely responses.
RSH chief executive Jonathan Walters said: “Greater transparency, stronger accountability and a stronger tenant voice are at the heart of these changes. They represent an important step towards improving outcomes for social housing tenants, helping residents better see and influence the services they receive.
“By supporting better engagement and consistent delivery of standards, these changes will help create a culture where tenant voices are heard, trust is strengthened, and the factors that can contribute to stigma are reduced.”
The new standards come into force from October 2026, with transition periods for elements of the STAIRs and C&C requirements.
The consultation also sought feedback on the introduction of a new electrical safety checks Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM), introduced last month.
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has welcomed the announcement of changes to the consumer standards, including the introduction of a standalone Competence and Conduct Standard, saying it “sends a strong signal” to the sector.
Gavin Smart, the CIH’s chief executive, added: “CIH raised concerns during the consultation that folding competence and conduct into the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard could risk signalling a downgrading of its significance. We’re pleased the RSH has listened and made it a distinct standard.
“With the revised Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard including new access to information requirements, the new Competence and Conduct Standard and the updated Code taking effect from 1 October 2026, [the] announcement provides the certainty housing organisations need to prepare for implementation.”
Image credit: Brian A Jackson/Shutterstock
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