Regulation of Housing Associations

WSHA are a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) with the Scottish Housing Regulator who set specific standards and regulatory requirements which all RSLs and local authorities must comply with, as per the Housing Act 2010.

The Scottish Government’s Social Housing Charter sets out the standards social landlords need to achieve. Social landlords include registered social landlords (RSLs) - such as a housing association or co-operative - or councils.

The Scottish Housing Regulator, monitors, assesses and reports on the performance of landlords in achieving these standards.

SHR publishes a range of information on WSHA including our Engagement Plan, our Assurance Statement, and our latest performance report.

Each Registered Social Landlord (RSL) must:

Comply with the Standards of Governance and Financial Management and associated statutory guidance.

Comply with, and submit information to us in accordance with, our guidance on:

  • notifiable events
  • group structures
  • consulting tenants where tenant consent is required
  • financial viability of RSLs: information requirements
  • determination of accounting requirements
  • preparation of financial statements.

Keep up to date organisational details in the Register of Social Landlords, by maintaining the information provided through the Landlord Portal.

Make publicly available, including online, up to date details of:

  • who is on its governing body
  • the date when they first became a member/office holder
  • how to become a member of the RSL and of the governing body, and
  • minutes of governing body meetings.

What are the standards of Governance and Financial Management for RSLs? 

  • WSHA Board leads and directs WSHA to achieve good outcomes for our customers.
  • WSHA is open about and accountable for what we do. We understand and take account of the needs and priorities of our tenants, service users, and stakeholders. Boards focus is the sustainable achievement of these priorities.
  • We manage resources to ensure financial well-being, whilst maintaining rents at a level that tenants can afford to pay.
  • WSHA Board bases its decisions on good quality information and advice and identifies and mitigates risks to WSHA's purpose.
  • We conduct our affairs with honesty and integrity.
  • WSHA Board and Senior Officers have the skills and knowledge they need to be effective.
  • WSHA ensures that any organisational changes or disposals made safeguard the interests of, and benefit, current and future tenants.

Significant Performance Failure

What is a significant performance failure?

A Significant Performance Failure (SPF) happens if we fail to do something or do something that puts our customers’ interests at risk. You can report a Significant Performance Failure to the Scottish Housing Regulator. 

Find out more about Significant Performance Failures and contact the Scottish Housing Regulator on their website here.

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator

WSHA is also a non-profit registered charity with the 'Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator' (OSCR), who are the independent Regulator for Scottish Charities and major care providers.