Our approach to inspections
Summary
The Regulator of Social Housing has updated its guidance on how it carries out landlord inspections, including language changes to reflect the introduction of the Competence and Conduct Standard. The document explains that inspections are used to assess how landlords are delivering outcomes under relevant standards, with programmed inspections typically given six weeks’ notice and tailored to the risks and issues identified for each landlord.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors working with social housing providers should note the regulator’s inspection approach, as it may affect evidence requests, site access, and the context in which landlord performance is assessed. The reference to the Building Safety Regulator and the Competence and Conduct Standard also signals the wider compliance environment in which housing providers are being scrutinised.
Key points
- Inspections are a core part of the Regulator of Social Housing’s regulatory approach.
- Programmed inspections can cover both economic and consumer standards for private registered providers.
- Local authority landlord inspections focus on consumer standards, with Rent Standard issues considered where relevant.
- The regulator may use intelligence from tenants, referrals, notifications and other bodies including the Housing Ombudsman Service and the Building Safety Regulator.
- Programmed inspections usually involve six weeks’ notice, advance sharing of scope, and observation of meetings and on-site interviews.
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