What are the amendments to the social housing bill and what are your rights as a social renter?

The government has confirmed it will make changes to the social housing bill.

The changes are designed to protect social homes, help prevent homelessness and make sure social housing goes to people who need it most.

If you live in social housing, it’s also important to know your rights and what you can do if there are problems with your home.

What’s the social housing bill?

The social housing bill was announced in May 2026 and is progressing through parliament.

Additional measures will help: 

• protect social housing
• encourage the building of more social homes
• give housing providers more confidence to build
• give greater protection to renters who are victims of domestic abuse
• provide tenants with greater security and stability

The government said the changes will help “reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and improve access to housing for those in greatest need”.

This comes as councils in England spent almost £3bn on temporary accommodation for homeless people in the last financial year, around £8m a day.

There have also been changes to social housing protections. In 2025, new measures were introduced to make it easier for social renters to report safety concerns and get action from their landlord.

Is there a problem with your home?

Living in a home that is damp, unsafe or in poor condition can affect your health, finances and quality of life.

If you have problems with your home, there are steps you can take.

Know your rights

If you live in social housing, your council or housing association is responsible for keeping your home in good condition.

If they do not deal with a problem, you can make a formal complaint. You may also be able to take your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.

Look out for problems

You should report problems as soon as you can.

These could include:

• damp or mould
• broken windows, doors or roofing
• unsafe gas appliances or electrics
• problems with heating
• poor insulation
• leaking pipes
• other repairs
• anti-social behaviour
• problems getting into or around your home
• poor service from your landlord.

Keep a record

If you have a problem with your home, keep a record of what happens.

You can:

• take photos or videos, preferably with the date
• keep copies of emails and letters
• write down when you reported the problem and what your landlord said.

This information could be useful if you need to make a complaint later.

What if you’re facing eviction?

If your landlord wants you to leave your home, they must follow the correct legal process.

If you live in social housing, your landlord must give you a notice seeking possession before applying to the court for a possession order.

If you are worried about being evicted, make sure you get advice as soon as possible.

Report problems to your landlord

The first step is to report the problem to your landlord.

If you live in council housing, contact your council. If you live in a housing association property, check your tenancy agreement or landlord’s website for their contact details.

Still not happy? Contact the Housing Ombudsman

If you have been through your landlord’s complaints process and are still unhappy, you can contact the Housing Ombudsman.

The service is free and independent. It can investigate complaints about social landlords.

Know your rights and speak up

If something is wrong with your home, you don't have to put up with it.

Report problems, keep a record and make a complaint if they are not fixed.

The social housing bill is bringing further changes to social housing, but you already have important rights as a social tenant. Knowing your rights can help you take action and get problems sorted.