‘Together with Tenants’ report launched
Tuesday 20th of October 2020
The National Housing Federation launched the ‘Together with Tenants’ report today with all the learnings from the last year which have shaped this plan and recommendations for housing associations.
The report also includes a charter which sets out terms that residents should expect from their landlord who signs up to the charter.
Over the last 12 months, 130 early adopter organisations have been working with their residents to test out the charter. Now, the ambition is for all housing associations to support the plan and consider adopting the Together with Tenants charter
The Together with Tenants plan establishes a four-point plan for change. These are:
- A new requirement in the National Housing Federation Code of Governance for boards to be accountable to their residents
A new Code of Governance, which will be published later this year, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, including residents. The new 2020 code builds on earlier versions to include provisions that the views and needs of residents and other customers must be at the heart of strategic decision-making.
- A new Together with Tenants charter
The charter is designed to ensure all residents know what they can expect from their housing association landlord, regardless of where they live, what type of home they live in, or who their landlord is. You can read the charter below.
- Resident oversight and reporting of progress against the charter
Resident oversight and public reporting against the commitments set out in the charter will give residents a stronger role in holding their landlord to account. This aims to prevent Together with Tenants from becoming a tick-box exercise that does not drive change. Boards will be expected to respond and take action where required.
- Giving residents a stronger collective voice with the regulator
Resident oversight and reporting against the charter may uncover issues of interest to the regulator, including potential non-compliance with consumer standards. Linking the Together with Tenants approach to regulation in this way will ensure that action is taken where necessary to protect the rights and interests of residents.
Read more about the report here