What the Regulator does

The definition of landlords includes all private registered providers (both for profit and not for profit)  as well as local authorities. However, only the consumer standards apply to local authorities.

Economic and consumer standards

From April 2024, we introduced a new integrated regulatory approach, with proactive regulation of the consumer standards as well as continuing our existing work focused on governance, financial viability and value for money. That work is concentrated on PRPs with 1,000 or more units under management and for each we publish Consumer, Governance and Viability grades. Where these gradings change, this will be supported by a short narrative report.

We have a range of powers and sanctions which we can deploy to resolve consumer and economic issues in landlords. In the first place we encourage them to find their own answers and have a good record of achieving resolutions without resorting to our statutory powers. However, as the risk to tenants is elevated then we will deploy increasing levels of powers to find a resolution.

As a last resort, if the economic situation is dire then the regulator will advise the Secretary of State to appoint a Special Administrator who will be tasked with taking full control of finding a resolution.

Publications

The regulator regularly publishes statistics and analysis including the Quarterly survey, Sector Risk Profile and Global Accounts. These can be found on the Sector reports page.

The annual Sector risk profile provides a detailed assessment of the current issues facing landlords. Many stakeholders including board members and investors find this document extremely helpful in understanding the operating environment and main risks facing the social housing sector.  

Around the end of year, we also publish the Global accounts of private registered providers and includes extracts of data from their long-term business plans. This publication is designed to give the reader a picture of how the sector is likely to develop over the coming 5 years. 

Unfortunately, from time to time, landlords do encounter problems and the regulator produces regular booklets that describe the issues and the solutions. The most recent issue is With the benefit of hindsight.

Accountability

We have a statutory duty to perform our functions in a way that minimises interference and is proportionate, consistent, transparent and accountable. We are accountable to Parliament for the discharge of the fundamental objectives. The Chair of the Board is accountable to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities and the Chief Executive, as accounting officer, is accountable to the principal accounting officer at DLUHC and has a separate direct line of accountability to Parliament as well.

See our About us page to read more.