Failing social housing landlords will face unlimited fines and 'Ofsted-style' inspections under new powers announced today.
Under the move, the Regulator of Social Housing will be able to issue unlimited fines, enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs to help drive up standards.
Under the Social Housing Regulation Bill, residents will be able to rate their landlord and demand information in a similar way to how the Freedom of Information Act works for council housing.
Levelling up secretary, Michael Gove, said: 'In 2022 it is disgraceful that anyone should live in damp, cold and unsafe homes, waiting months for repairs and being routinely ignored by their landlord. These new laws will end this injustice and ensure the regulator has strong new powers to take on rogue social landlords.”
'We are driving up the standards of social housing and giving residents a voice to make sure they get the homes they deserve. That is levelling up in action.'
The Bill will also require landlords to have a named person who will be responsible for health and safety requirements.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, commented: 'As the Bill moves through Parliament it's crucial that it’s robust enough to truly hold landlords to account. That means regular inspections and increased professionalisation of the industry - just as we would expect a teacher or a nurse to have relevant qualifications, we should expect this of our social landlords.'
