Social housing managers must gain professional qualifications under new rules to protect residents and raise standards in the sector
The move by the Government follows the death of Awaab Ishak’s due to damp in a mouldy flat in Rochdale.
The Housing Secretary Michael Gove has announced the changes after recognising that social housing residents were being ‘inexcusably let down’.
Around 25,000 managers across the sector will now be required to have an appropriate level housing management qualification regulated by OfQual equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 Certificate or Diploma in Housing, or a foundation degree from the Chartered Institute of Housing.
The changes will be made through amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill which will drive up standards in the sector and hold landlords to account over the service they provide to their tenants. The Bill will also give the Regulator tough new powers – allowing them to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs with landlords footing the bill.
Awaab’s Law was introduced earlier this year in the wake of the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, which will force social landlords to fix damp and mould within strict time limits.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove said:
The Grenfell Tower tragedy and, more recently, the death of Awaab Ishak showed the devastating consequences of residents inexcusably being let down by poor performing landlords who consistently failed to listen to them.
We know that many social housing residents are not receiving the service or respect they deserve. The changes we are delivering today will make sure social housing managers across the country have the right skills and experience to deliver an excellent service and drive up standards across the board.
