07/10/2025
After the conclusion of the consultation in July 2024, the government has this week published its long awaited policy statement on STAIRs.
STAIRs gives tenants of private registered providers (PRPs) new rights to access certain information about how their homes are managed. Tenants of local authority owned housing stock can already access this information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The Regulator of Social Housing has been directed to introduce a new standard requiring all PRPs of social housing to meet the requirements set out in the STAIRs policy statement. This will be rolled out in two phases.
Phase 1: Publication Scheme
From October 2026, PRPs will need to proactively publish information (where they hold it) which relates to:
- Governance and decision making;
- Spending;
- Housing stock management;
- Performance;
- Housing services;
- Lists and registers; and
- Social housing management.
Notably, PRPs are not required to create any new records to comply with this obligation and redactions may be applied in certain circumstances.
Phase 2: Information Requests
From April 2027, PRPs will need to respond to requests for information which relate to the management of the PRP’s social housing. Requests can be made by tenants or their designated representative. There is no provision for members of the public to make a request under the STAIRs regime.
The policy statement makes clear that matters determined by local councils and information about management of property that is not related to the PRP’s social housing functions sit outside the obligation to respond to information requests.
It is important to note that the STAIRs regime mirrors that of the FOIA in many ways. Requests must be in writing, PRPs cannot delete or alter information to prevent disclosure, and the same exemptions found in FOIA will also be applicable under STAIRs. As with the publication scheme, there is no requirement to create any new records in order to comply with a request for information.
PRPs will have up to 30 calendar days to respond to a request for information, although there are some permissible circumstances which will allow this deadline to be extended.
Mandatory review process
PRPs will also need to put in place a STAIRs review process to deal with any complaints related to either the publication scheme or information requests. Reviews will need to be completed within 30 calendar days. If the complainant is not happy with the response they can they escalate this to the Housing Ombudsman.
Actions PRPs can take now
PRPs should ensure they have relevant policies and procedures in place ready to implement these changes. It is important staff are trained on the new regime, with particular focus on:
- What should be included in the publication scheme;
- Recognising requests and what makes a valid request;
- Understanding the difference between a STAIRs request for information and a subject access request;
- Deadlines for response / complaints;
- Formalities of what should be included in a response;
- Exemptions and redactions; and
- Complaints policy and procedure.
Please contact Sarah Orchard or Laura Cook to find out more about how Bevan Brittan can help you prepare.
You can find more information here.
