Housing Ombudsman - Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs)

Consultation on new access to information rights

The Housing Ombudsman is consulting on its role under the upcoming Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) and how it will handle complaints. It is seeking views from tenants and groups and individuals interested in social housing in England.

What are STAIRs?

STAIRs will give customers the right to access information about how their homes are managed. The requirements also set out what information housing associations must share with tenants.

Last September, the government set out more detail on STAIRs and named the Housing Ombudsman as the complaints body. You can see the statement here: STAIRs policy statement.

The Ombudsman would like your views on:

• whether it’s clear who can complain to them
• whether the time limits for complaints seem fair
• whether their planned approach to STAIRs investigations will lead to fair outcomes

Have your say

The consultation is open until 17 March 2026. To find out more and respond to the survey, see the Housing Ombudsman consultation.