Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Regulator’s Guide for Annual Assurance Statements
The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) has sent out a letter to social landlords providing guidance on preparing their Annual Assurance Statements. These statements are crucial and must be submitted by the deadline of 31st October.
Earlier this year, in February 2024, the Regulator released updated guidelines to assist landlords in completing the Statements. The guidance outlines that SHR might request landlords to provide specific assurance on certain issues in the Annual Assurance Statement.
In a communication, the chief executive Michael Cameron mentioned, “This year, we have decided to continue our request for landlords to confirm their compliance with relevant obligations regarding tenant and resident safety. This will ensure that landlords are meeting their responsibilities in this vital area while we collaborate with the sector on suitable indicators for future Annual Returns on the Charter.”
Landlords are required to verify their compliance with all duties related to tenant and resident safety. Specifically, they need to confirm that they have acquired adequate assurance about meeting all relevant safety requirements, including:
- Gas safety
- Electrical safety
- Water safety
- Fire safety
- Asbestos
- Damp and Mould
- Lift safety
Additionally, Michael Cameron urged landlords, “If you have identified Reinforced Autoclave Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in your properties and have not formulated a plan to manage the associated risks, please highlight this in your Annual Assurance Statement.
For further information on the obligations of landlords regarding safety, landlords can refer to the SFHA Self Assurance Toolkit and the SFHA’s advice note for governing body members on addressing damp and mould issues,” Cameron added.
Furthermore, he stated, “In 2023, we conducted visits to landlords to discuss their Annual Assurance Statements. During these visits, we enquired about how landlords ensured compliance with their duties concerning tenant and resident safety. A report on the insights from the visits was published to share the lessons learned.”
