From October, tenants of non-local authority social landlords, such as housing associations and housing co-operatives, will have new rights to access information about how their homes are managed. Tenants of local authority-owned housing can already access this information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
In Autumn last year, The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a policy statement following a consultation on the introduction of Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs). Some have dubbed this “FOI for the housing sector.”
The Regulator of Social Housing has been directed to introduce a new standard requiring all non-local authority social landlords (also known as private registered providers or “PRPs”) such as housing associations to comply with the new requirements.
Publication Scheme
From 1st October 2026, PRPs must proactively publish information that they hold relating to various matters such as governance and decision making, spending, housing stock management, performance, housing services, lists and registers and social housing management.
They must make tenants aware of the publication scheme so that they can easily identify and access information. Just like under FOI, there is no requirement to create any new records to comply with this obligation and redactions may be made in certain circumstances e.g. to protects commercially sensitive or personal information.
Information Requests
From 1st April 2027, PRPs must respond to their tenants’ requests for information that relate to the management of their social housing. Only tenants can make requests, unlike FOI where anyone can do so. Matters determined by local councils and information about property management that is not related to the social housing functions are not part of this obligation.
Requests must be in writing. There will be a deadline of 30 calendar days to respond to a request for information, which may be extended in certain circumstances.
PRPs cannot delete or alter information to prevent disclosure but the same exemptions set out in the FOI will apply under STAIRs.
Review Process
PRPs will also need to put in place a STAIRs review process to deal with any complaints related to either the publication scheme or information requests. Reviews will need to be completed within 30 calendar days. If the complainant is unhappy with the response they can they escalate this to the Housing Ombudsman. Responses to review requests should inform tenants of their right to access the Housing Ombudsman Scheme.
Training
PRPs need to prepare now for the new STAIRs regime. They should ensure they have adequate policies and procedures in place including staff training.
Please see our new STAIRS workshop with Naomi Mathews. We can also deliver this course on an in house basis customised to the needs of your staff (online or classroom). Get in touch for a quote.
