The proposed new Social Housing consumer standards are now out for consultation by the Regulator of Social Housing. They will come into force on 1 April 2024. See the summary from my colleague Sarah Patrice below. Some random housing management related issues jump out for me as follows:

• Health and safety remedial works must be done within the timescales given e.g. in fire risk assessments. Failure to meet these timescales is a common source of self-reporting to the Regulator currently. Are the timescales given in e.g. fire risk assessments achievable and realistic? Are they diarised anywhere?
• Landlords will have to publish data on the number of anti-social behaviour (ASB) cases and tenant satisfaction with how ASB is dealt with. Are landlords clearly recording types and numbers of ASB cases currently?
• Tenure - a new general expectation that landlords must 'meet all applicable statutory and legal requirements regarding the form and use of tenancy agreements'. With the Renters Reform Bill expected to abolish assured shorthold tenancies and s21 notices within the next 18 months or so, much change will be required both to policies, practice and transition arrangements. 
• Landlords will be required to offer tenants information about the implications of mutual exchanges for tenure, rent and service charges. Mutual exchanges with a fixed-term tenant are especially complex. There is no legal aid for advice on mutual exchanges. This strays into essentially providing legal advice. What happens if the current landlord's advice about rent and tenure implications with the new landlord proves incorrect? What if both landlords involved give different 'advice'. That advice will need to be legally checked. FAQ sheets may be needed for starters. 

Ensure you have your say! The consultation is open until 17 10 2023.