Social housing managers required to gain professional qualifications under new laws

On 26th February, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced new laws to ensure the protection of residents in social housing.

The new rules require Social Housing Managers to gain professional qualifications under new rules intended to provide a greater protection to residents and raise standards across the whole sector.

There are around 25,000 managers across the Social Housing sector and they will now be required to have an appropriate level housing management qualification regulated by Ofqual equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing.

The changes will be made through amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill. This Bill is intended to drive up standards in the sector and hold landlords to account over the service they provide to their tenants. The Bill also gives the Regulator new powers allowing them to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs with landlords footing the bill. Any landlord who fails to meet the requirements of the new standards could receive an unlimited fine from the regulator.

The aim of these new requirements is to professionalise and drive change in the sector, ensuring residents receive a high level of service and are treated with respect at all times. There are many managers that provide a high-quality professional service already, however, not all do. These new measures will ensure that all managers have the skills and qualifications they need to provide this service.

As a result of these changes, Social Housing will be brought more closely in line with other sectors providing front line services, including social work, teaching, and health and care services.

Many Social Housing residents are not receiving the service or respect they deserve. Many residents have been inexcusably let down by poor performing landlords who consistently failed to listen to them. An example of this was the tragic death of 2 year old Awaab Ishak who sadly died as a result of damp and mould in his home. Those managing the property were repeatedly made aware of the mould issues in the property but failed to take any action to solve the problem.