Three councils have failed to meet consumer standards, according to regulatory judgements published by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).
Runnymede Borough Council received a C4 grading, the most serious rating, following findings of very serious failings. The council had self-referred to the regulator in June 2025 over rent-setting issues.
Inspectors also identified weaknesses in stock condition surveys, with only 30% of homes having a full survey since 2021, and nearly 250 previously unknown hazards uncovered. Concerns were also raised about data accuracy and tenant engagement.
Both City of London Corporation and Rugby Borough Council were issued C3 gradings.
At the City of London Corporation, more than 1,000 fire safety actions were overdue and 18% of homes failed the Decent Homes Standard. Rugby Borough Council was criticised over incomplete stock data and outdated electrical safety checks.
The regulator said all three authorities are working with it to address the issues identified.
Cllr Mike Smith, chair of the Runnymede Borough Council Housing Committee said: 'The Regulator’s report mirrors much of our own existing improvement plan, which identified what needs to be done to address historic issues with Runnymede’s social housing stock.'
He added: 'We will be contacting all of our tenants to advise them of the Report’s findings.'
City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: 'We recognised that there were historic issues in our housing stock, which is why we agreed a multi-million-pound housing investment action plan in December. We accept these findings in full and are determined to meet the standards our tenants deserve.'
