News release

TAYLOR&EMMET SUPPORTS NEW SOCIAL HOUSING RULES

A social housing expert from leading Sheffield solicitors, Taylor&Emmet, is welcoming the introduction of new industry regulator, the Tenant Services Authority.

Rob Cooke, Taylor&Emmet’s rented property specialist, is confident the new body will improve standards of social housing by naming and shaming rogue landlords.

The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) will have the power to remove failing landlords and set rents. It is also planning to set up online league tables of registered social landlords to expose bad practices and improve levels of accommodation.

Rob Cooke said: “This is the first time there has been any central regulatory body for social housing and recent reports suggest the TSA intends to act quickly to enforce minimum standards. I would urge landlords operating in this sector to review their property portfolio, to ensure their quality of accommodation, rental levels and operating practices meet the organisation’s expectations. Failure to do so could result in a very public dismissal from the system.”

The TSA was launched in December last year. It aims to protect residents living in housing association and council homes from exploitation by rogue landlords. The regulator launched the largest tenant engagement process in England in January and intends to use the results to shape the framework against which landlords will be measured.

Rob added: “Setting minimum operational standards for registered social landlords can only be a good thing, but it does mean that as an industry, we have to prepare ourselves for significant changes to the way we operate. I would suggest any landlord unsure of his responsibilities seeks advice from his solicitor to ensure he does not unwittingly become a victim of the new regulations.”

For further information about the Tenant Services Authority, contact Rob Cooke at Taylor&Emmet on (0114) 218 400 or visit www.tayloremmet.co.uk

PICTURE CAPTION: Rob Cooke, Taylor&Emmet's social housing expert.

Issued: 11.03.2009

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