England's social housing tenants are set to gain a vital tool in their fight for safety as large landlords prepare to unveil detailed data on electrical safety checks from next year. From 2026/27, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) will require these landlords to publish comprehensive records of inspections and repairs.
The new transparency measures are part of the broader Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) framework, which assesses social housing providers on key aspects of management and tenant experience. While electrical safety is already a landlord obligation, this fresh requirement makes public reporting mandatory, allowing tenants to scrutinise compliance more effectively.
The introduction follows years of mounting pressure for improved safety standards in the sector, with tragic incidents highlighting the importance of robust protocols. By making electrical safety data publicly available, the RSH aims to drive proactive maintenance and compliance, ensuring hazards are identified and addressed promptly.
Social housing providers must now invest in robust data collection systems to accurately capture and present the required information. The move underscores a commitment to empowering tenants with more information about their homes' safety and quality, fostering a more transparent relationship between landlords and residents.
The published data will cover electrical safety checks, including frequency, thoroughness, and outcomes, allowing comparisons between different landlords and helping identify areas for improvement. This increased transparency is expected to contribute significantly to safer living environments for millions of people across England.