The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 has introduced a new approach to regulating social housing, including with the proactive monitoring of landlord compliance with new Consumer Standards. This regulation will be carried out by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).

Whilst Colchester Borough Homes is responsible for the management and maintenance of Colchester City Council’s social housing, the Council remains the landlord and it is the Council that is regulated by the RSH.

The Council’s Governance and Audit Committee is the “Landlord” Committee, and it receives quarterly updates on social landlord performance.  These reports are all available on the Council’s website.  Full Council receives assurance on adherence to the RSH’s requirements and expectations through the work of this Committee.

Consumer Standards

We are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) through the social housing regulation act 2023. The RSH has set out standards for social housing landlords which are designed to protect you and improve the services you receive. 

• The Safety and Quality Standard – requires landlords to provide safe and good quality homes and landlord services to tenants.

• The Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard – emphasises the importance of open communication, fairness, and respect between landlords and tenants.

• The Neighbourhood and Community Standard – landlords are expected to collaborate with other parties to create safe and well-maintained neighbourhoods where tenants feel secure in their homes.

• The Tenancy Standard – sets requirements for the fair allocation and letting of homes creating responsible tenancy practices.

• The Competence and Conduct Standard – the requirements are aimed at driving greater professionalism and higher standards by ensuring relevant housing staff have the required skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours to deliver a high standard of service to tenants.