Social Housing: Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs): Transparency Meets Reality – are you prepared?

From October 2026, new Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) will require housing associations in England to proactively publish key housing management data, enhancing transparency and accountability across the sector. By April 2027, tenants will also have a legal right to request a broad range of information, including details on repairs and maintenance, service charges, anti-social behaviour records, and energy efficiency metrics. These requirements, confirmed in a written Parliamentary statement on July 2, 2025, are set to transform how social landlords manage, protect, and share resident data.

For housing associations, these changes have significant data protection and compliance implications. Organisations will need robust data governance, privacy measures, and GDPR-compliant processes to ensure they handle tenant information lawfully and securely. This marks a critical shift for data protection in social housing, demanding enhanced procedures to safeguard sensitive data while providing tenants with greater access and oversight.

Empowering Tenants and Enhancing Accountability

These reforms mark a turning point. Tenants will now see beyond their front doors—they’ll access stock condition, health and safety records, budgets, and policy frameworks. This transparency empowers them to query decisions, track response times, and challenge service failings. For the sector, it means a move from discretion to openness, building stronger landlord-tenant trust.

Unpacking the Practical Challenges

STAIRs bring a significant operational impact:

• • Financial Strain – Initial costs are estimated at around £1.8 million in year one. This includes staffing, systems, data processing, and technology upgrades.

• • Overlapping Regulations – Providers already juggle standards ranging from Awaab’s Law to net-zero pledges. The G15 collective stresses the need for clear guidance and proportionate timelines to avoid duplication G15.

• • System Readiness – Publishing data in accessible formats, responding in 30 days, and proactive content management call for a robust digital infrastructure and tenant portals.

Turning Requirement into Opportunity

This isn’t just red tape—it’s a moment for transformation. Here’s how providers can pivot from compliance to advantage:

• • Tenant portals and apps: Allow easy access to maintenance logs, inspection outcomes and service performance—boosting engagement and reducing repetitive data requests.

• • Publish once, use often: Build a publication scheme; regularly publish approved content to reduce repetitive information requests and staff burden.

• • Smart automation: Use workflows that flag tenant requests, assign case handlers, and track deadlines—reducing admin effort.

• • Training and culture: Staff need clear standard operating procedures and training to manage expectations and data quality.

Balancing Transparency and Affordability

Concerns are real—40% of tenants expect cost recovery via rent increases info.pennington.org.uk. Pathways to balance this include: phased investment plans, seeking government funding, shared tech development across housing groups, and using operational gains to justify investment.

Final Take

STAIRs mark a pivot-point for social housing governance: tenants gain a right to information and providers face a mandate for transparency. The core challenge is operational: balancing trust-building and tenant empowerment with financial and technical readiness.

Yet, this is more than compliance—it’s an opportunity. When providers lean into STAIRs, invest in digital systems, and build a culture of openness, they can enhance tenant trust and efficiency. Done right, STAIRs could become the foundation for a more sustainable and accountable social housing sector.

If you would like to learn more about how GRC Hub can ensure you are ready for the STAIRs requirements or would like help or guidance with Data Protection for the Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements, please contact GRC Hub on 0113 532 7830, or click here to view our Governance Risk & Compliance Services.

You can find the STAIRs requirements here