The Government will introduce the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill into parliament today, following on from its inclusion in the Queen’s Speech.

Failing social housing landlords could “face unlimited fines and Ofsted-style inspections” under the new plans, and the Regulator of Social Housing will have stronger powers to issue unlimited fines, enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice – down from 28 days – and make emergency repairs where there is a serious risk to tenants, with landlords footing the bill.

Residents will also be able to demand information and rate their landlord as part of new Tenant Satisfaction Measures.

Tenants will have a direct line to government, with a new 250-person residents panel convening every four months to “share their experiences with Ministers, inform policy thinking and help drive change in the sector.”

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “In 2022 it is disgraceful that anyone should live in damp, cold and unsafe homes, waiting months for repairs and being routinely ignored by their landlord. These new laws will end this injustice and ensure the regulator has strong new powers to take on rogue social landlords.

“We are driving up the standards of social housing and giving residents a voice to make sure they get the homes they deserve. That is levelling up in action.”

The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill also removes the serious detriment test as well as ensuring the larger social landlords face “regular inspections”.

The government are also committed to continuing to “name and shame worst offenders” as they did with Clarion recently.

The Bill will also mean landlords will need to have a named person who will be responsible for health and safety requirements. And tenants of housing associations will be able to request information from their landlord, similar to how the Freedom of Information Act works for council housing.