Regulator kicks off first wave of inspections as new consumer standards take effect

The RSH confirmed in February details on how the new regime would operate.

Under the changes, the regulator is also getting powers to authorise “emergency remedial action” for a home, without a warrant, if there is an “imminent risk of harm”.

The agency will also be able to issue fines of an “unlimited amount” against failing landlords, as the current £5,000 cap has been lifted.

Ms MacGregor’s letter said that the landlords in the first wave of inspections had been notified. 

But she said even if housing providers were not involved in this initial wave, they are expected to meet the new standards. 

She added: “If you identify material failings in your performance, we expect you to let us know by contacting your regulatory contact or enquiries@rsh.gov.uk, and to start putting things right.”

Baroness Scott, minister for social housing, said: “If landlords fail their residents, there will be consequences. This is a significant milestone in our work to put right some of the issues laid bare by the devastating Grenfell Tower tragedy, and I have huge admiration for the bereaved families, survivors and community who have campaigned tirelessly for improvements in the sector.”

Standards in social housing and the treatment of tenants have been under the spotlight since the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which killed 72 people.

This intensified after a series of damning reports by ITV News revealing appalling conditions in some housing association and council homes, as well as the high-profile death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak.

Social housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa said: “I hope this change in legislation will now mean a more proactive stance in scrutinising providers. For a long time social housing providers have evaded accountability for providing substandard housing to many across the country.

“As someone who has experienced this first hand, I hope this change in regulation will be enforced with maximum effect and put an end to the misery so many are going through.”