Regulator says new consumer rating could be used to get better prices from insurers

The RSH’s new consumer standards, published late last month, include a new consumer (C) rating for landlords alongside existing viability (V) and governance (G) metrics.

From 1 April, when the regime comes into force, housing associations and councils will be inspected every four years, on the condition of homes and how they treat tenants.

The consultation specified the need for landlords to have an “up-to-date” record on the condition of all their homes. Ms Doran also said the regulator will observe tenant scrutiny meetings at each landlord to see how residents’ voices are heard.

The regulator has proposed doubling its fees to cover the cost of enforcing the new standard.

Also speaking as part of the panel, Will Perry, director of strategy at the RSH, said the regulator was “not taking our foot off the gas on governance and viability” amid the introduction of the consumer rating.

Asked if there was a trade-off between C and V ratings, Ms Doran said “there’s definitely a trade-off, but people come from different starting points”.

If a housing association is awarded a V1 and a C2 or C3, she said, “you have to ask if they’re spending money in the right way.

“There’s nothing wrong with a V2,” she added. If she were awarded a C1 and a V2, “I’d be pretty content with that”, she said.