Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust cited for rent‑setting breaches by regulator

The Regulator of Social Housing issued a formal notice on Wednesday 25 October 2023, finding that Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust had breached the sector’s rent standard. The regulator’s investigation revealed that the trust had wrongly classified a number of its homes as supported housing, resulting in tenants being overcharged. In addition, rents for hundreds of ‘fair rent’ tenancies had been set incorrectly in the past, affecting a substantial group of renters.

Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust self‑referred to the regulator and is now working with external advisers to resolve the issues. It is carrying out a detailed review of rent setting across its entire portfolio, with the aim of identifying every tenant who has been overcharged and reimbursing them.

Karen Doran, Director of Regulatory Engagement at the Regulator of Social Housing, said the trust’s failure to set rents correctly had led to tenant overcharges and that the trust is now working with the regulator to put things right. The trust has committed to revising its rent policies so that they comply with the requirements of the rent standard.

The regulator’s broader role is to maintain a viable, efficient and well‑governed social housing sector. By enforcing consumer standards and intervening where there is a risk of serious detriment to tenants, it seeks to protect renters, preserve lender confidence and safeguard taxpayer money.

For tenants, the notice highlights the right to challenge rent levels that appear excessive, particularly where a property’s classification influences the amount payable. For housing providers, the case underscores the importance of robust rent‑setting processes and regular compliance checks to avoid similar breaches.