Failing social landlords could be hit with unlimited fines under new plans to introduced Ofsted-style inspections across the social housing sector.
The plans are part of the Social Housing Regulation Bill, due to be introduced in Parliament today.
Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove said the new laws were being implemented to end “injustice and ensure the regulator has strong new powers to take on rogue social landlords”.
He added: “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 proposed legislation will allow the government to order social housing providers to make emergency repairs where there is a serious risk to tenants.
Social housing providers will be required to supply a named health and safety inspector and tenants will be given the power to request information from their landlords, similar to the Freedom of Information Act.
The government has formed a 250-person residents’ panel convening every four months to meet with ministers, discuss policy changes and drive change in the sector.
Lord John Bird, cross-bench peer and founder of The Big Issue, said: “These protections for renters are a welcome step from the government, and I hope to see further preventative measures put in place to help people, especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet, remain in their homes and not be put at risk of homelessness.
“There is still more that can be done to safeguard low-income renters and reduce inequality, so let’s make sure we carry on building on this progress.”
To send feedback, e-mail akanksha.soni@eg.co.uk or tweet @asoni7185 or @EGPropertyNews
