Open consultation

How to implement Social Rent convergence

Applies to England

Summary

We are seeking views on a new Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing in relation to social housing rent policy from 1 April 2026 that includes Social Rent convergence.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

​​Following the consultation on future social housing rent policy published in 2024, we are seeking views on a draft Direction to the Regulator of Social Housing that includes Social Rent convergence.

The Direction would require the Regulator to set a regulatory standard on rents that will apply to Registered Providers of social housing. This comprises:  

  • ​Private Registered Providers (including housing associations that are Private Registered Providers) 
  • ​Local authority Registered Providers (i.e. local authorities with retained housing stock)  

​Section 197 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 gives the Secretary of State the power to direct the Regulator of Social Housing to set a standard on rent, and about the content of that standard. Once issued, a Direction is binding on the Regulator. We propose to use this power to issue a new Direction to the Regulator on rent. The proposed Direction has been published alongside this consultation.

Documents

Annex A: Draft direction on the rent standard 2025

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Annex B: Draft policy statement on rents for social housing

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Annex C: Draft impact assessment

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Ways to respond

or

Email to:

socialhousingrents@communities.gov.uk

Write to:

Social Housing Rents
Affordable Housing Regulation and Investment Division
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Fry Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

Updates to this page

Published 2 July 2025

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