New standards for social landlords

« Back

---

From 1 April 2010, for the first time, every social housing tenant in England now benefits from a common set of standards that applies to all landlords whether they are a local authority, a housing association or other form of provider.

The standards have been introduced by the Tenant Services Authority, the regulator for social housing in England. Landlords are required to consult with residents about how they propose to meet each standard and to offer services that meet the local priorities of their residents.

RSMHA greatly welcomes the introduction of the new standards and we are fully committed to achieving these across the broad range of services we provide. Later in the year we will send a report to all residents stating how we are meeting these obligations and how we intend to meet them in the future.

The standards focus on six key areas with required outcomes, as follows:

1. Tenant Involvement & empowerment standard

Customer service, choice and complaints

Registered providers shall:

 • provide choices, information and communication that is appropriate to the diverse needs of their tenants in the delivery of all standards

• have an approach to complaints that is clear, simple and accessible that ensures that complaints are resolved promptly, politely and fairly Involvement and empowerment

Registered providers shall support co-regulation with their tenants by:

• offering all tenants a wide range of opportunities to be involved in the management of their housing, including the ability to influence strategic priorities, the formulation of housing-related policies and the delivery of housing-related services

• consulting with their tenants and acting reasonably in providing them with opportunities to agree local offers for service delivery

• providing tenants with a range of opportunities to influence how providers meet all the TSA's standards, and to scrutinise their performance against all standards and in the development of the annual report

• providing support to tenants to build their capacity to be more effectively involved Understanding and responding to the diverse needs of tenants Registered providers shall:

• treat all tenants with fairness and respect

• demonstrate that they understand the different needs of their tenants, including in relation to the seven equality strands and tenants with additional support needs

2. Home Standard

Quality of accommodation

Registered providers shall:

• ensure that tenants’ homes meet the standard set out in section 5 of the Government’s Decent Homes Guidance by 31 December 2010 and continue to maintain their homes to at least this standard after this date

• meet the standards of design and quality that applied when the home was built, and were required as a condition of publicly funded financial assistance, if these standards are higher than the Decent Homes Standard

• in agreeing a local offer, ensure that it is set at a level not less than these standards and have regard to section 6 of the Government’s Decent Homes Guidance Repairs and maintenance Registered providers shall:

• provide a cost-effective repairs and maintenance service to homes and communal areas that responds to the needs of, and offers choices to, tenants, and has the objective of completing repairs and improvements right first time

• meet all applicable statutory requirements that provide for the health and safety of the occupants in their homes

3. Tenancy Standard

Allocations

Registered providers shall let their homes in a fair, transparent and efficient way. They shall take into account the housing needs and aspirations of tenants and potential tenants. They shall demonstrate how they:

• make the best use of available housing

• are compatible with the purpose of the housing

• contribute to local authorities strategic housing function & sustainable communities

• here should be clear application, decision-making and appeals processes.

Rents

Registered providers shall charge rents in accordance with the objectives and framework set out in the Government’s Direction to the TSA of November 2009.

Tenure Registered providers shall offer and issue the most secure form of tenure compatible with the purpose of the housing and the sustainability of the community. They shall meet all applicable statutory and legal requirements in relation to the form and use of tenancy agreements.

 4. Neighbourhood and community standard

Neighbourhood management Registered providers shall keep the neighbourhood and communal areas associated with the homes that they own clean and safe. They shall work in partnership with their tenants and other providers and public bodies where it is effective to do so.

Local area co-operation Registered providers shall co-operate with relevant partners to help promote social, environmental and economic well being in the areas where they own properties. Anti-social behaviour

Registered providers shall work in partnership with other public agencies to prevent and tackle antisocial behaviour in the neighbourhoods where they own homes.

5. Value for money standard

Value for money

In meeting all TSA standards, including their local offers, registered providers shall have a comprehensive approach to managing their resources to provide cost-effective, efficient, quality services and homes to meet tenants’ and potential tenants’ needs.

6. Governance and financial viability standard

Governance Registered providers shall ensure effective governance arrangements that deliver their aims, objectives and intended outcomes for tenants and potential tenants in an effective, transparent and accountable manner. Governance arrangements shall ensure they:

• adhere to all relevant legislation

• comply with their governing documents and all regulatory requirements

• are accountable to tenants, the TSA and relevant stakeholders

• safeguard taxpayers’ interests and the reputation of the sector

• have an effective risk management framework

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. Alternatively you may wish to contact the TSA: tel. 0845 230 7000 email enquiries@tsa.gsx.gov.uk