Ombudsman launches probe into human rights obligations of social landlords

The ombudsman said it chose the topic after a recurrence of the issue in many of its cases, including severe maladministration findings, where landlords fail to fulfil their obligations around human rights, including the Equality Act, or adhere to their vulnerable persons policy.

It said when it has undertaken a wider special investigation into a landlord, the issue is also often present.

The ombudsman is asking social landlords to provide evidence for the report by 28 July. 

Richard Blakeway, the housing ombudsman, said: “Social landlords have a proud history of tackling social injustice and this housing crisis speaks to new social injustices in health, equality and race. It is time for the sector to rise to this challenge.

“This is a complex and sensitive area but repeatedly we are seeing landlords not meeting basic obligations. Much of this is about respect and empathy but it goes far beyond communications.

“There needs to be a debate to define what being vulnerable means in social housing. This housing crisis is stretching the concept of ‘general needs’ housing to its limit.

“This report will look to shed light on these issues and look at where landlords have got this wrong, but also crucially where they have got it right. Both will provide strong learning opportunities for the sector.”