Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) are non-profit organisations registered with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) that provide affordable housing and support services across the UK. They are a major provider of social and affordable housing.
What is a Registered Social Landlord?
A Registered Social Landlord (RSL) is a housing association, housing trust, or other non-profit organisation registered with the Regulator of Social Housing. RSLs provide affordable housing and related services to people in housing need.
Key Characteristics
- Non-Profit: RSLs are non-profit organisations
- Registered: Must be registered with the Regulator of Social Housing
- Regulated: Subject to regulation and oversight
- Affordable Housing: Provide housing at below-market rents
- Community Focus: Serve local communities and specific groups
Types of RSLs
Housing Associations
- Independent, non-profit organisations
- Provide affordable housing and support services
- Range from small local providers to large national organisations
- May specialise in specific types of housing or support
Housing Trusts
- Charitable trusts providing housing
- Often have specific charitable objectives
- May focus on particular groups or areas
- Can be local, regional, or national
Co-operatives
- Member-owned and member-controlled
- Residents have a say in how the organisation is run
- Can be tenant co-operatives or housing co-operatives
- Promote community ownership and control
Services Provided by RSLs
Housing
- Social Housing: Affordable rental properties
- Supported Housing: Accommodation with support services
- Shared Ownership: Part-buy, part-rent schemes
- Market Rent: Some properties at market rates
- Specialist Housing: Adapted or specialist accommodation
Support Services
- Tenancy Support: Help maintaining tenancies
- Financial Advice: Budgeting and benefits advice
- Employment Support: Help finding and keeping work
- Community Development: Supporting local communities
- Care and Support: For vulnerable residents
Regulation of RSLs
Regulator of Social Housing (RSH)
RSLs are regulated by the RSH (in England) or equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Regulation covers:
- Financial Viability: Ensuring RSLs are financially sound
- Governance: Good governance and management
- Standards: Meeting regulatory standards
- Value for Money: Efficient use of resources
- Tenant Involvement: Engaging with tenants
Regulatory Standards
RSLs must meet standards for:
- Tenant Involvement: Involving tenants in decision-making
- Home Standard: Maintaining properties to decent standards
- Tenancy Standard: Fair allocation and management
- Neighbourhood and Community: Managing estates well
Finding an RSL
Local Authority Referral
- Contact your local council's housing department
- They can refer you to local RSLs
- May be part of choice-based lettings schemes
- Can help with applications
Direct Application
- Many RSLs accept direct applications
- Check RSL websites for application processes
- May have specific eligibility criteria
- Some specialise in particular groups
Housing Registers
- Many areas have common housing registers
- Single application to multiple RSLs
- Choice-based lettings systems
- Priority based on housing need
Benefits of RSL Housing
Affordability
- Rents typically 50-80% of market rates
- Help with rent through benefits
- Predictable rent increases
- No large deposits required
Security
- Secure or assured tenancies
- Protection from unfair eviction
- Long-term housing stability
- Right to succession
Quality
- Properties must meet decent homes standards
- Regular maintenance and repairs
- Responsive landlord services
- Well-managed estates
Support
- Many RSLs offer support services
- Help with tenancy management
- Financial and employment support
- Community development
Your Rights as an RSL Tenant
Tenancy Rights
- Right to a written tenancy agreement
- Right to live in the property without interference
- Right to have visitors
- Right to make improvements (with permission)
- Right to exchange your property
- Right to buy or acquire (in some cases)
Involvement Rights
- Right to be consulted on major decisions
- Right to participate in tenant involvement activities
- Right to information about your landlord
- Right to complain and have complaints handled properly
RSL Performance
How to Check RSL Performance
- RSH Ratings: Check regulatory ratings on RSH website
- Tenant Satisfaction: Look at tenant satisfaction surveys
- Complaints Data: Check how complaints are handled
- Financial Reports: Review annual reports and accounts
What to Look For
- Good regulatory ratings
- High tenant satisfaction
- Responsive to complaints
- Well-maintained properties
- Strong financial position
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Registered Social Landlord (RSL)?
A Registered Social Landlord is a non-profit organisation registered with the Regulator of Social Housing that provides affordable housing and support services. RSLs include housing associations, housing trusts, and co-operatives.
How many RSLs are there in the UK?
There are over 1,500 registered social landlords in the UK, ranging from small local providers to large national organisations. They provide millions of affordable homes across the country.
How do I apply for RSL housing?
You can apply through your local authority housing register, directly to RSLs, or through common housing registers. Many areas use choice-based lettings where you bid on available properties.
What is the difference between an RSL and a council?
RSLs are independent, non-profit organisations registered with the regulator, while councils are local authorities. Both provide affordable housing, but RSLs are separate organisations that may have different eligibility criteria and property types.
Are RSLs regulated?
Yes, RSLs are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in England, or equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Regulation covers financial viability, governance, and standards.
What types of housing do RSLs provide?
RSLs provide social housing (affordable rent), supported housing, shared ownership, market rent properties, and specialist accommodation for people with specific needs.
Can I buy my RSL property?
You may be eligible for Right to Acquire if you're a housing association tenant, depending on when your property was built and other eligibility criteria. Some RSLs also offer shared ownership schemes.
How much rent do I pay for RSL housing?
Rents for RSL social housing are typically 50-80% of local market rent, making them much more affordable than private rental. You may also be eligible for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
What support services do RSLs provide?
Many RSLs offer tenancy support, financial advice, employment support, community development, and care and support services for vulnerable residents.
How do I complain about my RSL?
You should first raise concerns with your RSL using their complaints procedure. If you're not satisfied, you can contact the Housing Ombudsman Service or the Regulator of Social Housing.