Social landlords have been told that strong governance is central to building more homes, improving existing properties and keeping tenants safe, as the Regulator of Social Housing published its 2026 regulatory casework review.
The review covers themes from the regulator’s economic and consumer regulation over the past year. Its findings are drawn from inspections and responsive work with housing associations, other private registered providers and councils.
The regulator said landlords must have strong data and effective systems to track and fix problems in tenants’ homes, with clear accountability across their organisations. It also highlighted the need for board or senior councillor oversight of risk management.
Other priorities include using data and insight to identify emerging issues, targeting interventions strategically and linking spending decisions to clear objectives. The regulator said this was needed to show value for money while improving homes and building new ones.
The review also points to the importance of robust stress testing and reliable information on assets and liabilities, so boards can challenge financial risks and performance. Landlords were urged to make early self-referrals and address root causes when problems arise.
RSH said its governance requirements do not apply to councils, but councils can still use the lessons to improve outcomes for tenants. It added that tenant safety remains its top priority, and that landlords are required to act promptly when they fail to meet standards.