The Regulator of Social Housing recently published its Regulatory Casework Review 2025, summarising the key themes emerging from its oversight of Registered Providers (RPs) over the past year. The review provides valuable insight for prospective RPs: registration with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) requires more than good intentions. It demands evidence of strong governance, financial resilience, and a demonstrable commitment to delivering safe, decent homes and fair services.
So, what can we learn from this? And how can prospective RPs use these insights to strengthen their registration applications? Drawing on regulatory insights and lessons from inspections, here are six critical areas for aspiring Registered Providers to focus on before applying.
1. Make Risk Management a Core Discipline
Applicants must demonstrate that they have a clear and robust approach to risk management. This means showing not only that frameworks exist on paper, but that they are embedded in decision-making and daily operations.
Prospective RPs will need to evidence:
- How strategic and operational risks are identified, assessed, and monitored
- Escalation routes for urgent risks
- Board oversight and ability to challenge
- Internal controls that cover financial, health and safety, and contractual risks
2. Use Data to Drive Decisions
Good data is foundational for a successful application. Applicants must be able to demonstrate accurate, complete, and current information about both their stock and their tenants.
This includes maintaining a robust asset register, including condition and compliance data and keeping detailed and reliable tenant records to ensure fair, inclusive services. However, it’s not just about collecting data, but about using it to shape business planning, strengthen risk management, and guide investment decisions.
3. Keep Homes Safe — And Be Able to Prove It
Safety is a non-negotiable requirement. RPs must comply with all statutory health and safety obligations and be able to provide documented assurance that homes are safe.
Prospective providers will need to ensure they carry out compliance checks and maintain accurate records across all safety areas (fire, gas, electrical, water, asbestos, lifts). A robust process for tracking and closing remedial actions should be in place with clear board-level reporting on compliance and safety performance.
4. Integrate Tenants’ Voices into Decision-Making
Tenant engagement is central to the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard. Applicants must show that they have considered how tenants will be involved in shaping services and scrutinising performance.
Prospective applicants should think about providing structured opportunities for tenant involvement, having processes for acting on feedback and closing the loop and strategies to ensure diverse and inclusive engagement.
5. Be Transparent, Especially When Things Go Wrong
RSH expects openness from all providers, and this starts with registration. Applicants should show that they understand the co-regulatory model and are committed to self-referral if compliance risks arise.
Provide evidence of a culture of transparency, including how issues are identified, reported, and escalated. This reassures the regulator that the organisation is fit to be registered.
6. Deliver Value for Money
The Value for Money Standard applies from the outset. Applicants must demonstrate that they understand how resources will be allocated, monitored, and reviewed to deliver maximum impact.
In practice this means showing:
- Clear links between financial decisions, tenant needs, and asset data
- Evidence of how costs will be controlled and reviewed
- An understanding of how efficiency and effectiveness will be monitored over time
In Summary
Becoming a Registered Provider is a significant responsibility. Applicants must show they are prepared to meet the regulatory standards from day one. This means robust governance, accurate data, strong risk management, and a genuine commitment to safe, fair housing.
Landlords who can clearly evidence these six areas will be best placed to achieve registration and build a resilient, trusted organisation that delivers for tenants and stakeholders alike.
Considering applying for registration?
At Thornton & Lowe, we specialise in supporting landlords through the registration process with the Regulator of Social Housing. From offering advice to drafting and reviewing registration applications, our consultancy team ensures your submission is robust, evidence-led, and aligned with regulatory expectations.
If you’re thinking of applying for registration, get in touch to discuss how we can guide you through the process and help you build a strong foundation for long-term compliance and success.
If you’d like to read more about the Regulator’s findings, you can find the full report, including case studies, at Regulatory Casework Review 2025 on GOV.UK.
