Lack of stock data puts tenants at greater risk while leading to increased costs, says RSH
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has warned social landlords to ensure they have a detailed and up-to-date knowledge of the condition of their homes, as the majority of consumer failings under its new regime to date have been linked to stock condition issues.
The RSH in a report out today said almost all the regulatory judgements of ‘C3’ or ‘C4’ against the new consumer standards -which mean there are failings – relate to the safety and quality standards. It said in nearly three quarters of these cases low stock condition survey coverage or landlords being unable to demonstrate they understood the condition of their tenants’ homes was part of the reason for the decision.
It said: “Having a detailed and up-to-date knowledge of stock condition is the starting point in ensuring that tenants’ homes are safe and well maintained.
“Where this is lacking, tenants are at greater risk of living in unsafe conditions and landlords are at greater risk of increased costs through not having a strategic approach to planned investment in their homes.”
RSH, in its report titled “Understanding the condition of tenants’ homes”, said it is important landlords have “clear robust approach to assessing the condition of their homes”.
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It said: “Stock condition surveys are the most effective way of landlords understanding the condition of their homes. Boards and councillors should have oversight of, and assurance in, the landlord’s approach to stock condition and the results of recent stock condition surveys.”
The regulator’s report also listed features seen by landlords who have demonstrated strong knowledge of their homes, including up to date stock condition surveys and effective data management and governance processes (see below).
A new consumer regulatory regime came into effect in April 2024, with inspections being re-introduced for social landlords for the first time for several years.
To date, 99 consumer grades have been issued, including 29 ‘C3s’ and 2 ‘C4s’, meaning there are failings that need to be addressed.
Regulator of Social Housing pointers for success
The RSH said it has found that landlords who demonstrated a stronger knowledge of their homes had some or all of the following features:
▪ Up to date stock condition survey coverage of their homes.
▪ Validation of a proportion of surveys including, where appropriate, validation by external experts.
▪ Surveys scoped and delivered to cover all elements of the Decent Homes Standard, including assessments of hazards under HHSRS.
▪ Use of stock condition data to build a strategic approach to stock investment, leading to an ability to proactively address potential issues through planned major repairs rather than fixing issues through responsive repairs once they have already fallen into disrepair, reflecting a focus on efficiency and providing value for money.
▪ Effective data management processes in place, using data from a range of sources, such as integrating stock condition data with repairs data and other property inspections to ensure a more rounded view of stock condition.
▪ Effective governance processes and oversight, with clear reporting to boards or councillors.
▪ Employed suitably skilled and accredited surveyors to carry out the work.
▪ Responded quickly to findings from stock condition surveys, rectifying hazards and Decent Homes Standard failures.
▪ Triangulation of data with the asset and liabilities register.
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