Amplius receives C2 from regulator in first consumer grading

Amplius has today (Wednesday) been handed a C2 grade by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in its first consumer assessment.

RSH found the 40,000-home landlord showed “evidence of weaknesses in the provision of an effective, efficient and timely repairs service, with complaints and customer feedback showing issues around service quality and communication.”

The regulator also said the landlord struggled to meet the increased legal requirements for tackling damp and mould following the introduction of Awaab’s Law last October.

While RSH said Amplius is addressing the issues, it warned the landlord would need to evidence continued and consistent improvement to demonstrate the required outcomes for tenants on an ongoing basis.

Alongside its new consumer grading, Amplius received unchanged G1 and V2 gradings following assessment. Based in Milton Keynes, the housing association was formed following the merger of Longhurst Group and Grand Union Housing Group in December 2024.

Julie Doyle, chief executive of Amplius, said: “We’re satisfied that the regulator’s judgement is fair and balanced, and their feedback has been constructive and extremely helpful.

“As a newly merged organisation, we’re pleased to have retained our G1 and V2 ratings and acknowledge that we’ve room to further improve the service we provide our customers, and we’re determined to achieve C1 in the future.

“While we’ve shown good progress in some key areas, particularly when it comes to our repairs service and complaint handling, it’s imperative that we build on this.”

As part of the latest batch of regulatory judgements, RSH has also awarded C1 consumer upgrades to Livin Housing and Community Gateway Association (CGA).

Both housing associations were upgraded from C2 and retain unchanged G1 governance and V1 viability grades based on previous assessments.

Livin, based in County Durham, was seen to have “strengthened its understanding” of its stock condition since its November 2024 inspection. RSH reported that the 9,000-home landlord has improved how it monitors the condition of its homes to inform future repairs and investment, alongside working more effectively with residents on maintenance.

Preston-based GCA was found to have “strengthened” its health and safety management since its inspection in July 2025, as well as improved communication with tenants to increase understanding of their “diverse needs.”

Hertfordshire-based Watford Community Housing Trust has received an interim judgement confirming a G1 governance grade and a V2 financial viability grade.

RSH issued the interim judgement because Watford Community Housing, trading as Chime Housing, merged with Thrive Homes in June 2026. RSH has not yet assessed the merged entity against the consumer standards.