RSH starts discussion to help sector achieve more and better social homes

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has published details today (9 June 2026) setting out how it proposes to update and future-proof economic regulation to help the sector achieve more and better social homes.

RSH is looking to engage with the sector about the changes, challenges and tensions that exist in achieving this.

To deliver more and better social homes, landlords should maintain a clear focus on social housing, operate with sufficient independence to manage risks effectively, and remain financially resilient.

Social housing organisations should be well-run, with strong leadership and governance, and have the capacity to deliver consistently. Crucially, structures should also ensure that if things go wrong, tenants and homes stay protected.

To build on the success of its revised consumer regulation, RSH needs to ensure that its framework and economic regulation also keep pace with the sector’s growth, diversification and complexity – balancing support with managing new and emerging risks.

This could see RSH look to strengthen accountability and outcomes by setting clearer expectations, using better data to target risks early, and taking a more focused, adaptive regulatory approach that drives efficiency, resilience, and long-term protection of social housing.

RSH intends to launch a formal consultation on revised economic standards in 2027, following its conversations with the sector.

RSH Chief Executive Jonathan Walters said: “Our focus is simple: a more efficient, financially resilient social housing sector – and a modern regulator that drives it.

“We want landlords who invest for the long term, improve safety and quality, manage risk, and deliver more and better homes for current and future tenants.

“We are inviting a sector-wide conversation on the challenges ahead and how regulation can better support the delivery of more and better social homes for the future.”

The More and Better Social Homes discussion document and video are on the RSH website.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Governance and Financial Viability Standard was introduced in 2015 and Value for Money Standard 2017. Both will be reviewed as part of a broader assessment of RSH’s regulatory construct - much of which dates back to the 2007 Cave Review - to ensure it remains fit for purpose and enables a more agile, assertive and modern approach within the statutory framework.

2. While the standards for governance, financial viability and value for money apply specifically to housing associations and other private registered providers, many of the proposals outlined are aimed at enhancing RSH’s overall regulatory approach. They are equally relevant to the regulation of consumer standards and the rent standard, and are therefore of interest to all social landlords, including local authorities.

3. The discussion document seeks stakeholder input and genuine dialogue on our proposals for regulation from April 2028. The discussion document is not a formal consultation and any changes to our standards or code of practice will require a formal consultation. It is intended that this will take place in 2027.

4. For media enquiries contact Vicky Moore vicky.moore@rsh.gov.uk or Christian Cosby christian.cosby@rsh.gov.uk For general enquiries contact enquiries@rsh.gov.uk.