This Month In Social Housing: May 2025

With two bank holidays under our belts and the heady scent of cut grass and SPF 30 in the air, it can only mean one thing—May has been and gone in a blur of blossom, barbecues, and very British debates about whether it’s too soon to pack away the winter coat. Traditionally, this time of year sees things slow down a touch in the world of policy and government—Westminster slipping into a kind of pre-summer stupor. But don’t be fooled: just like a swan gliding serenely across a sun-dappled lake, the social housing sector is paddling furiously beneath the surface.

And here at Mobysoft, we’re right there in the current, tracking the shifts, scouring the headlines, and rounding up everything you might have missed during May’s many long weekends. So, whether you’re catching up over a cuppa or braving the patio furniture for the first time this year, here’s your essential monthly digest of all the social housing news worth knowing…

Struggles with Awaab’s Law May Stem from How Landlords Choose to Implement It

Social landlords that find it difficult to comply with Awaab’s Law may be hindered by their own internal processes rather than the legislation itself, according to Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway. Speaking at Housing Brighton 2025, Blakeway said, “When… we hear, after Awaab’s Law comes in, that it’s presenting a challenge to some landlords, it is not because Awaab’s Law is the problem… the problem is probably the way in which landlords are approaching it.” The law, which takes effect in October, mandates strict timescales for addressing disrepair. Blakeway said its simplicity contrasts with the complex systems landlords use for repairs. He stressed that complaints should be seen “as a catalyst for changes,” and highlighted issues such as inconsistent repair timescales and poor complaint handling.

Tenant satisfaction with social landlords has seen a slight rise, according to Housemark’s year-end analysis for 2024–25. The median satisfaction score for English landlords increased by 1.7 percentage points, with results forecast between 72% and 73%. Housemark cited a “modest improvement” based on Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), now the main tool for assessing resident views. Arrears performance improved, closing at a pre-pandemic level of 2.5%, while vacancy rates hit a low of 0.49% in March 2025. Repairs services recovered steadily, averaging 3.3 repairs per property, and complaint resolution remained strong at 95%. Complaints reporting rose 55% year-on-year, which Housemark attributed to “more proactive regulation and additional powers granted to the Housing Ombudsman.” Jonathan Cox described the sector as showing “signs of recovery and resilience.”

MPs Demand Independent Body to Oversee Grenfell Recommendations Delivery

The Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee has urged the government to establish an independent oversight body to ensure the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendations are implemented. In an open letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the committee warned of “significant risks” without such oversight and criticised the government for “marking its own homework.” Although the government’s response includes reforms like a new construction regulator, the HCLG Committee said these measures fall short—particularly the regulator’s lack of power to certify construction products. Committee chair Florence Eshalomi stressed, “Never again must people be left without such basic levels of safety in their own home.” The committee wants the monitor in place before Grenfell’s 10th anniversary in June 2027 and backed its inclusion in the Hillsborough Law.

Regulator Advises Sector to Consider ‘What-If’ Risks Around Providers Without Housing Stock

Housing associations must carefully consider the implications of not owning their homes, according to Fiona MacGregor, chief executive of the Regulator of Social Housing. Speaking at the Social Housing Finance Conference 2025, she urged providers to ask “the next question and the next question” when contemplating stock disposals. “If you don’t own the stock… who makes decisions about the level of investment… [or] the quality you offer the tenants?” she asked. With some landlords exploring asset-light models, MacGregor warned of potential “unintended consequences” and urged providers to consider who retains control. Southern Housing’s Tom Paul also expressed doubts about the financial value of selling tenanted homes, saying, “Those kinds of disposals don’t really add development capacity” under current conditions.

Ombudsman Supports Creation of National Tenant Group Amid 474% Surge in Repairs Complaints

Repair complaints in social housing have surged by 474% since 2019–20, prompting the Housing Ombudsman to call for a national tenant body to strengthen accountability. In its Repairing Trust report, the ombudsman found 72% of complaints reflected poor practice, despite landlords spending a record £8.8bn on repairs in 2024–25. Richard Blakeway warned of a “national crisis,” citing systemic failures such as missed health needs, poor diagnosis, and delayed repairs. “Repairs are the single biggest driver of complaints and determining factor of resident trust,” he said. The report recommends a national funding review, cultural change in landlord practices, and a code of conduct for staff. The ombudsman said the current maintenance model poses “a significant risk to the government’s vital housebuilding ambitions.”

And that’s a wrap for May’s edition! We’re all off to dig out the factor 50, dust off our lanyards, and rehearse our most enthusiastic “great to finally meet you in person!” as the countdown to Housing 2025 kicks into gear. June may bring the promise of sunshine and slightly-too-hot meeting rooms, but fear not—we’ll be right back here next month with another helping of sector news, views, and everything in between. Until then, au revoir!

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Dean Quinn

Content Manager at Mobysoft

Dean oversees all the content we produce here at Mobysoft, commissioning, editing, and even writing some of the insightful editorial we bring to you on a regular basis. With a background in consumer journalism and a raft of content marketing experience gained from working with huge brands spanning mobile tech and automotive, right through to professional sports and lifestyle sectors, he knows a thing or two about creating content that engages. Dean also holds the mantle of being our resident grammar pedant. However, when he’s not getting angry about dangling participles, he spends his time going to gigs, and watching his beloved Stoke City FC.