A guide to the new consumer standards regulations for housing providers – Tenancy Standard

Posted: 25/03/2024

On first appearance, the new Tenancy Standard appears to be very different to the current standard. However, upon closer inspection, it is in fact very similar, hence it keeping the same name. It is nonetheless advisable for registered providers (RPs) to review the precise wording of the new standard to ensure compliance.

The main objective of the Tenancy Standard is to set requirements as to how RPs let their homes, from the allocating of properties through to the end of the tenancy. This new standard is more detailed than the current standard, and will require careful consideration due to the four required outcomes and eighteen specific expectations. The key outcomes are highlighted below:

Allocations and lettings

RPs must continue to allocate and let their homes in a fair and transparent way, that ensures both the needs of the tenants, and of prospective tenants, are taken into account. The new standard outlines a variety of specific expectations, one of which now requires RPs to take action to prevent and tackle tenancy fraud. However, the previous standard to minimise void times has been removed.

Tenancy sustainment and evictions

This new outcome emphasises the government’s expectations that RPs will support tenants to maintain their tenancy or licence. It must also be considered once a tenancy or licence comes to an end, as all impacted tenants must be offered advice and assistance about housing options in a timely manner.

Tenure

A large focus of the new Tenancy Standard is the type of tenancy that RPs can issue and then, looking into the future, how this is managed. Fortunately, there has only been one change from the previous standard: that all tenancies meet all the applicable statutory and legal requirements.

Mutual exchange

Finally, RPs will now have to increase the support offered to tenants in relation to mutually exchanging their homes. The main driving force behind this is to ensure that tenants are informed and avoid any unanticipated consequences. Therefore, this will require RPs to have a robust service in place which allows for tenants to access information and support.

What should RPs be doing?

The new Tenancy Standard is far more detailed than the current one and will require both positive reflection and attentive action to ensure all outcomes and specific expectations are met. Crucially, current policies or procedures will need to be reviewed alongside the Tenancy Standard to identify any gaps, and then to enlarge these where necessary.

For further information on this topic, please contact Caroline Leviss or Hugo Stephens.

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