Resident Consultation on Consumer Standards in Housing
The Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 has received Royal Assent, officially becoming law. The Regulator will now be able to proactively monitor landlords’ compliance with the new consumer standards. The government has drafted consumer standards which build upon existing standards and incorporate amendments that align with the Regulator’s expanded role.
What is the Resident Consultation on Consumer Standards?
The Regulator is seeking views on the draft consumer standards and Code of Practice. This consultation will help develop their approach to delivering a new and furthermore strengthened consumer regulation regime. Following this consultation, The Regulator will consider the responses received and then set out a decision on the final form of the consumer standards and Code of Practice. Lastly, the existing consumer standards are expected to be replaced with the final revised standards from April 2024.
The draft set of consumer standards includes:
- The Safety and Quality Standard – Requires landlords to provide safe and good quality homes and landlord services to tenants.
- The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard – This standard emphasises the importance of open communication, fairness, and respect between landlords and tenants. This allows tenants to access services, voice concerns, and influence decisions that impact them.
- The Neighbourhood and Community Standard – Landlords are expected to collaborate with other parties. The collaboration will therefore help create safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods where tenants feel secure in their homes.
- The Tenancy Standard – Sets requirements for the fair allocation and letting of homes creating responsible tenancy practices.
Who can participate in the consultation?
Landlords, tenants and anyone with an interest in social housing is being asked to express their views on four revised consumer standards. This consultation is applicable to all Johnnie Johnson Housing customers in General Needs, Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership properties.
You can participate in the consultation by providing your views in one of the ways listed below:
- Emailing your response to consultation@rsh.gov.uk
- Posting your response to: Consumer Standards Consultation, Regulator of Social Housing, Referrals and Regulatory Enquiries Team, Level 2 – 7-8 Wellington Place Leeds LS1 4AP
- Alternatively, you can fill in a questionnaire online
You need to send your answers back to the Regulator by 17 October 2023.
Johnnie Johnson Housing is also holding an online session to provide all our customers with the information they need to participate in this consultation and express their views on the draft set of consumer standards. Book your place to the online session here.