Social Housing Tenure Standard: Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing

Overview

This consultation seeks views on a proposed Direction from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to the Regulator of Social Housing (the Regulator), using powers under section 197 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (the 2008 Act) as amended.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (the Act) introduces significant reforms to the assured tenancy framework, establishing a simpler and more secure tenancy system. Key changes include abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, replacing assured shorthold tenancies with assured periodic (rolling) tenancies and removing fixed-term assured tenancies. These changes will strengthen tenant security and rights to reclaim properties for landlords when it is necessary. Government is working towards commencing the Act for the social rented sector in October 2027 and once commenced, reforms will directly impact landlords within the social rented sector who operate under this framework, namely Private Registered Providers of social housing, and their tenants. Ahead of implementing the Act’s reforms for social housing assured tenancies granted by Private Registered Providers, we are updating the Direction on the Tenure standard to the Regulator of Social Housing to make sure it is consistent with the new Act.

This consultation sets out proposals for a new Tenure Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing requiring it to set a regulatory standard relating to tenure, aligned with the new assured tenancy and regulatory framework.

The proposed Direction reflects the consumer regulation regime that has been in force since April 2024 and primarily sets out the outcomes Registered Providers should deliver relating to tenure, except for specific areas where a prescriptive approach is needed to achieve government policy. Registered Providers will be responsible for delivering these outcomes in the way that best meets their needs, the needs of tenants, and their local circumstances. 

While the Act will apply to landlords using the assured tenancy framework, the Tenure Direction and subsequent tenancy standard issued by the Regulator apply to social housing landlords registered with the Regulator. This includes Local Authority Registered Providers where flexible and secure tenancies can be offered. The consultation also sets out a proposal to ensure the new Direction applies to all social housing provided by local housing authorities, irrespective of whether they hold a Housing Revenue Account (HRA).