The standard will be created in partnership with housing associations and trade bodies
The National Housing Federation and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors are to develop a new standardised stock condition survey specifically designed for the social housing sector.
The new standard, which will be developed in partnership with housing associations, and other stakeholders including the National Federation of ALMOs, the Association of Retained Council Housing and their members, is expected to be launched in 2025.
Though most housing associations already conduct regular stock condition surveys, NHF members believes a standardised approach would offer greater assurance to both residents and landlords.
The aim of the new standard is to help housing associations and local authorities to more easily identify quality issues that need addressing within their homes, by creating a standardised and consistent approach to understanding the condition of their homes.
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The standard will incorporate current regulatory requirements and be adapted as needed to align with any future changes, such as when the new Decent Homes Standard is introduced.
The NHF and RICS said the standard “will help landlords provide a consistent and accurate barometer of the condition of the UK’s social housing sector”, and ensure that all social housing residents are living in good quality homes.
Justin Young, RICS CEO, said: “The UK needs a data-driven, fact-focused social housing sector, and a comprehensive stock condition survey, designed with RICS members’ expertise, will clear up uncertainty about the quality of the UK’s social housing stock”.
Young described the new partnership between RICS and the NHF as “timely”, due to the government’s plans to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.
He added: “Ending the housing crisis not only begins with building new homes; it must also include the renovation and retrofit of existing homes, improving the quality, quantity, and sustainability of social housing.
“Initial responses from housing associations have been positive, and there appears to be a real political will to put housing at the forefront.”
Kate Henderson, chief executive of the NHF, said: “Everyone deserves a good quality, safe, warm, and affordable home. We’re committed to supporting our housing association members to implement the recommendations of the Better Social Housing Review and ensure every tenant receives the same high service from their landlord.
Henderson added that the survey will be an “invaluable resource”, stating that it will help the sector to assess the quality of their homes in a consistent way, and give both landlords and residents greater confidence.
“It builds on the work housing associations are already doing to improve their homes and services, including reviewing their repairs processes and increasing investment in their existing homes by 20% for each of the last two years.”
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