First and foremost, the government has set out a Charter, which outlines what social housing tenants should expect from their homes and landlords. Landlords include anyone who rents social homes to people. The seven expectations include:

  • To be safe in your home
  • To know how your landlord is performing
  • To have complaints dealt with promptly and fairly
  • To be treated with respect
  • To have your voice heard by your landlord
  • To have a good quality home and neighbourhood
  • To be supported to take your first steps towards ownership

Social housing residents should also receive a tenant handbook, which states a list of the social housing landlord’s repair and maintenance responsibilities. This handbook should include information on how to contact the social housing landlord, details about how to report a problem within the home or neighbourhood as well as a list of tenants rights and responsibilities.