London boroughs have vowed to do better for tenants in social housing after acknowledging the poor state of many homes.
They say a new ‘shared vision’ will mean boroughs can go beyond their statutory and regulatory responsibilities to deliver the ‘highest possible housing standards’.
The initiative led by the London Housing Directors’ Group with support from London Councils sets out best practice principles for landlords.
Delivering for Tenants: The Foundations of an Effective Local Authority Landlord Service reiterates London boroughs’ commitment to ensuring tenants are listened to and that they respond efficiently and effectively to their needs.
It says satisfaction levels among tenants in London are lower than the rest of the country.
The capital accounts for 19% of England’s social housing stock, but the latest figures show that 57% of all damp and mould maladministration reported by the Housing Ombudsman were in London.
Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ executive member for regeneration, housing and planning, said: ‘Too often we have seen examples of tenants living in poor-quality housing and receiving a substandard service.
‘Our tenants deserve better. Everyone should have a home that they can be proud of.’
