Widespread safety issues identified in RSH inspections

On 30 April 2025, the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) published judgements following inspections of 18 local councils across England.

According to the regulator, the assessments found several cases of non-compliance with consumer standards across social housing stock.

The findings included outdated property surveys, uncompleted fire safety actions and repair backlogs, and inadequate systems for addressing tenant concerns.

Fire Angel Business Development Manager Andrew Beechener said the report reflected systemic failures that could place vulnerable tenants at increased risk.

Beechener said: “The judgments published by the RSH have revealed multiple failures by landlords across the country to meet consumer standards in social housing properties.

“With vulnerable people accounting for more than a quarter of social housing residents in the UK, it becomes even more critical to be equipped with up to date information to mitigate risks to safety.

“The Regulator of Social Housing is a cornerstone of independent safeguarding for tenants in public sector accommodation.

“This recent report by the body highlights the need for smarter solutions to improve safety and to provide sharper insight of housing stock in order to protect individual residents under the duty of care of housing associations.”

Technology can support early identification of risk

In response to the regulator’s findings, Fire Angel highlighted how connected technologies could support housing providers in detecting issues earlier and reducing potential harm.

Beechener said: “Connected technology can provide real-time information on building disrepair, damp and mould, and safety alarm triggers – therefore providing social landlords with a picture of risk in individual properties across a housing portfolio.

“It also brings greater transparency and the opportunity for two-way communication between landlords and tenants.”

The company outlined how the use of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can allow social landlords to analyse building data more effectively and take pre-emptive steps.

According to Beechener, the aim is to move from reactive approaches to proactive intervention supported by data.

Fire Angel example shows real-time safety alerts

Fire Angel’s own connected platform, Predict®, uses data collected from IoT-enabled devices to create a live risk profile of properties.

Beechener explained how its system works by learning from activity patterns and triggering alerts when signs of danger emerge.

Beechener said: “FireAngel’s Predict®, as an example of this, uses real-time data from IoT-enabled devices and AI to assess safety risk by identifying usage patterns and attributing a risk level.

“An example of this could be a notification of the high frequency of a smoke alarm being triggered the hallway.

“This information creates a window of opportunity in which prompt, early intervention not only mitigates cost but can prevent a problem from becoming a crisis.

“This would be acted upon by Fire & Rescue Services, social worker or supporting function within the property management, resulting in a pre-emptive action to reduce the risk of a life-threatening situation.”

Predictive data can improve tenant engagement

In addition to improving oversight of housing stock, Fire Angel noted that connected systems can help foster better tenant–landlord communication.

Beechener said such tools provide more responsive safety services and can allow tenants to feel more secure in their homes.

The technology also enables landlords to respond more quickly to issues and to demonstrate compliance with safety requirements.

Beechener added: “By introducing connected technologies such as IoT and AI, housing associations can be smarter in order to better protect tenants, whilst providing peace of mind and reassurance to tenants.”

RSH judgements stress need for strategic reform

The RSH judgements cover multiple local authority housing providers in England.

They form part of a wider effort to ensure compliance with the Social Housing Regulation Act and to raise consumer standards.

The regulator has stated that all landlords must have accurate data, timely repairs, and systems that allow tenants to raise concerns.

The April 2025 report reflects a broader trend in the housing sector, where digital tools are increasingly being looked to as a means of managing complex portfolios.

Fire Angel has argued that without embracing such tools, risks to resident safety may remain hidden until incidents occur.

Fire Angel: Data-led solutions needed for UK housing safety, says Beechener: Summary

The Regulator of Social Housing published inspection outcomes for 18 councils on 30 April 2025.

The regulator reported failures to meet consumer standards across social housing properties in England.

Issues included outdated property surveys, fire safety action backlogs, and poor tenant complaint systems.

Andrew Beechener of Fire Angel commented on the findings in a public statement.

Beechener said data and predictive tools are needed to monitor and manage risk.

Fire Angel stated that connected systems allow landlords to assess safety in real time.

Beechener explained how Fire Angel’s Predict® uses AI and IoT to detect risk early.

The company said early detection allows for intervention before risks escalate.

Beechener added that connected technologies can improve landlord–tenant communication.

Fire Angel said the RSH report supports the case for adopting smarter housing safety systems.