Following on from our previous article on the Social Tenant (Access to Information) Requirements (STAIRs) (available here), the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has now published its Consultation on proposed changes to the Transparency, Influence and Accountability (TI&A) Standard and its accompanying Code of Practice.

For context

The RSH introduced its Consumer Standards in April 2024. The Standards set the outcomes that landlords must deliver so that homes are safe and well-maintained and tenants receive good quality landlord services and are treated with fairness and respect.

What has changed? 

The Government has the power to issue Directions to the Regulator to set standards which the Regulator must comply with. Following the Direction issued by the Government requiring the Regulator to set a standard that requires private registered providers (PRPs) to provide information to social housing tenants, the RSH has issued the Consultation on changes to the TI&A Standard.

The Consultation proposes that rather than creating a new standard, STAIRs will be built into the existing TI&A Standard framework.  The purpose of the Consultation is to ensure that the directions given by the Government are accurately reflected in the proposed amendments to the TI&A Standard. 

What is included in the Consultation?

The Consultation has three parts:

• Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs): the consultation is seeking views on proposed amendments to the TI&A Standard to take account of the Government’s Direction.
• Code of Practice: the Consultation is also seeking views on proposed updates to the Code of Practice to provide further detail about what the RSH expects landlords to deliver the outcomes required by the TI&A Standard.
• New TSMs: the Consultation is also seeking views on updates to existing Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) and a new TSM is being introduced to track compliance with updated electrical safety requirements for landlords.

What amendments does the Consultation propose to the TI&A Standard and Code of Practice?

The Consultation proposes a new required outcome to the TI&A Standard, which states that:

“1.7 Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs)

1.7.1 Private registered providers – must provide information to their tenants concerning the accommodation, facilities and services provided by them in connection with social housing. In doing so, they must meet the expectations set out in the government’s policy statement entitled Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements dated 30 September 2025.”

The Consultation simply poses the question as to whether you “agree or disagree that the proposed change to the [TI&A] Standard accurately reflects the government's STAIRs Direction to the regulator?”

The proposed STAIRs revisions to the Code of Practice summarise the intention behind the changes to the TI&A Standard to reflect the Government’s intentions for STAIRs as per its policy statement. The changes also highlight the onus on PRPs to determine whether or not information should be withheld from disclosure in line with the expectations and intentions of the policy statement, and that such decisions should be taken in line with existing freedom of information and data protection law. 

The consultation question on the Code asks if “you agree or disagree with the proposed changes to the Code?”

When does the consultation run to?

The Consultation is due to last for 12 weeks through to Tuesday 3 March 2026.

Over the summer of 2026, the Regulator will publish a “decision statement” which will set out its decision on revising the TI&A Standard and the Code. 

The revised TI&A Standard and revised Code are proposed to apply from 1 October 2026 – the existing TI&A Standard and version of the Code will continue to apply until that date. 

How Anthony Collins can help

At Anthony Collins, we can help you prepare with confidence by offering:

• Governance training: Equip leadership teams and boards with a clear understanding of their responsibilities under the updated standards, including transparency and accountability obligations.
• Policy and process reviews: Assist you in developing a STAIRs policy for your organisation and help you to assess your current information management processes and publication schemes to ensure they meet STAIRs requirements and align with consumer standards.
• Compliance planning: Develop tailored implementation plans to manage timelines, budget implications, and risk mitigation ahead of the October 2026 and April 2027 deadlines.
• Tenant engagement strategies: Support you in creating clear, accessible communication frameworks that meet regulatory expectations and enhance tenant trust.

For further information and advice on STAIRs, please contact me.