UK Housing Ombudsman

Regulator of Social Housing and Housing Ombudsman Service Factsheet

The Housing Ombudsman published a factsheet (last updated 20 September 2023) explaining the distinct roles of the Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman Service for social housing residents in England. The Regulator of Social Housing ensures landlords meet standards for management, financial viability, and accommodation quality, while the Housing Ombudsman resolves individual complaints between tenants and landlords. Following the Social Housing (Regulation) Act, from April 2024 the Regulator is introducing proactive regulation of consumer standards.

Government Announces Name and Shame Reforms for Failing Social Housing Providers

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, alongside the Housing Ombudsman and Regulator of Social Housing, announced measures to strengthen social housing regulation, including a 'name and shame' policy for landlords breaching consumer standards or facing severe maladministration findings. The government will publicise breaches on social media and launched a Resident Panel of around 250 social tenants to give residents a direct voice in shaping reforms.

Make Things Right Campaign Empowers Social Tenants to Complain

The UK Government and Housing Ombudsman have launched the 'Make Things Right' campaign across England, running from March to April 2023, to encourage social housing tenants to complain to their landlord before escalating to the Housing Ombudsman. The campaign follows research showing 65% of social housing residents reported unsatisfactory experiences when raising complaints, and will run advertisements across social media, radio, and streaming platforms in multiple languages. The campaign follows recent action including time limits for landlords to fix damp and mould under Awaab's Law and mandatory qualifications for social housing managers.