This Month In Social Housing: October 2025

Wow! This year is burning through the days like a November 5^th bonfire does bits of old pallets and whatnot. It seems like only yesterday that we were taking down the Chrismast decorations, but in a matter of weeks we’ll be disentangling countless strings of barely functional fairy lights before you can say “Christmas adverts on the telly, in October?”. With that in mind, it’s probably best that we crack on with this month’s round-up of the biggest news stories from the world of social housing over the past 30 or so days. So, make your self comfortable, grab your beverage of choice and drink in what’s been happening in the sector in the October edition of This Month in Social Housing…

Government Moves Forward with New Standard to Tackle Unprofessional Behaviour in Sector

The government has formally directed the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) to introduce a new professional competency standard for social housing staff, describing it as a “pivotal step” in raising standards across the sector. From October 2026, around 30,000 senior housing managers and executives will be required to hold, or be working towards, recognised qualifications in housing management. The policy, developed in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, aims to “eradicate unprofessional attitudes and stigma” and drive cultural change within the sector. An impact assessment estimates implementation will cost £282m over 10 years, with a three- to four-year transition period depending on organisation size. Chartered Institute of Housing chief executive Gavin Smart said the move “sets a clear framework for growth and excellence across housing.”

Housing associations are outperforming government work programmes in helping long-term unemployed people in deprived areas back into work, according to new research by the University of East Anglia. The study found that statutory services are often “sanction-based” and fail to reach those most in need, while housing associations provide “a holistic, adaptable support system” rooted in community relationships. Professor Zografia Bika, who led the research, said tackling unemployment “is not about delivering ‘a’ job… but forging a long-term relationship that builds on where people are now.” The report praised the Increase Valorisation Sociale project, which saw thousands gain training or employment, and urged public investment to shift towards third-sector organisations with “proven track records” in community-led support.

Government Launches £1m Tenant Engagement Drive as Awaab’s Law Comes Into Force

Awaab’s Law officially came into force on Tuesday 28 October, marking a major shift in tenant protection and accountability across the social housing sector. The law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died from mould exposure in 2020, requires landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and investigate damp and mould within 10 working days. Those who fail to comply face enforcement action, compensation claims, and court penalties. Alongside the rollout, the government has launched a £1m fund to boost tenant engagement, offering grants of up to £100,000 for projects that strengthen communication between residents and landlords. Housing secretary Steve Reed said the changes “will give tenants a stronger voice and force landlords to act urgently when lives are at risk.”

Historic Renters’ Rights Bill Granted Royal Assent

The Renters’ Rights Act has officially become law after receiving royal assent on 28 October, marking what the government has called “the biggest leap forward in renters’ rights in a generation.” The act bans Section 21 no-fault evictions, extends the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law to the private rented sector, and prohibits blanket bans on families or benefit claimants. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said millions had “lived at the mercy of rogue landlords or insecure contracts for too long,” while housing secretary Steve Reed said the legislation “levels the playing field between renters and landlords.” Charities including Shelter and Generation Rent hailed it as a “landmark day,” though campaigners warned swift implementation will be crucial to deliver real change.

CIH Warns Government Set to Fall 25% Short of Housing Delivery Target

The government is set to miss its goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2029 by around 25%, according to the Chartered Institute of Housing’s latest UK Housing Review. Senior policy adviser John Perry described current prospects as “mixed,” noting falling net additions, slowing approvals, and limited industry capacity. While social housing output is improving—potentially reaching 70,000 homes annually—the report says this will not offset the private sector’s sluggish recovery. The CIH warned that construction “capacity constraints mean it is unlikely to surpass” current projections. The government said the 1.5 million target remains a “stretching but achievable” goal, vowing to “leave no stone unturned” through major planning reforms and £39bn of investment in social and affordable housing.

And that’s a wrap for the October edition of This Month in Social Housing! As the nights draw in and talk turns to budgets, boilers, and (dare we say it) the arrival of the rotund bearded chap, the sector shows no sign of cooling off. From policy shifts to performance pressures, the coming weeks are sure to keep everyone on their toes.

We’ll be back at around the same time next month with more headlines, insights, and the stories shaping the social housing landscape as we edge towards the end of another eventful year. Until then, stay warm, stay curious, and keep the kettle on standby. Ha det bra!

(That’s “goodbye” in Norwegian, in case your Scandinavian’s a bit rusty.)

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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.