How to prepare for RSH inspections
Clive Adams looks at the steps social landlords can take to prepare for an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing under the new regime.
Inspections by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) are integral to upholding the social housing sector’s exacting standards.
These inspections verify landlords’ adherence to legal and regulatory mandates, ensuring the provision of safe and high-quality housing for tenants.
The RSH conducts these inspections to assess compliance with the Regulatory Framework, concentrating on governance, financial viability, and the condition of properties.
These evaluations are critical in protecting tenants’ interests by requiring landlords to offer safe, efficient, and effective housing services.
Adherence to these standards is not just a legal mandate but is crucial for establishing trust and reliability in social housing.
Understanding the gravity of these inspections and the potential consequence of non-compliance is vital.
Failure to meet the standards can lead to significant enforcement actions from the RSH.
Steps to ensure readiness for RSH inspections
Landlords must start with an exhaustive review of all important documentation, policies, and procedures.
Ensuring quick access to essential documents like tenancy agreements, maintenance records, and governance documentation is critical for identifying and remedying any potential issues before an inspection.
Creating and maintaining a checklist for physical standards and maintenance requirements is also crucial.
Regular property inspections and maintenance are fundamental to comply with safety standards and boost tenant satisfaction.
Proactively engaging with tenants to collect feedback is another vital way to maintain compliance.
It highlights effective tenancy management and a dedication to improving housing conditions and utilising this feedback for necessary improvements is a proactive approach that can significantly impact the outcome of an RSH inspection.
Keeping financial records up-to-date and indicative of sound financial management is also essential in preparation for financial scrutiny during inspections.
Inspectors look for evidence of sustainable financial practices within social housing provisions.
In short, landlords should be ready for a thorough examination of governance, financial management, tenant engagement, and property maintenance.
We always encourage our clients to engage with inspectors transparently and openly and to remember that demonstrating a deep understanding of your operations and compliance efforts is key to a successful inspection.
Post-inspection follow-up
We always advise clients to do a deep dive into the inspection report to understand their ratings and act on their recommendations.
These insights should guide your future improvement work.
You should formulate a detailed action plan to address the inspection’s findings and set realistic timelines for implementation to ensure that improvements occur promptly.
Regular evaluation of practices and policies can identify areas for enhancement and having a mindset of ongoing and continuous improvements always helps.
Equally, you should invest in ongoing training for staff and senior management to ensure everyone remains informed about the best practices and legal requirements in the social housing sector.
If you are worried about your next RSH inspection or you would like help making changes based on a previous report, it is a good idea to speak to a solicitor who specialises in the social housing sector.
We can guide you on best practices and keep your paperwork and operations compliant with the latest regulatory changes.
Clive Adams is a partner at Birketts.
