1.4 Describe the range of services provided by social housing

This guide will help you answer 1.4 Describe the range of services provided by social housing.

Social housing landlords provide much more than just homes. They offer a wide range of services to help tenants live safely and comfortably. This support covers practical issues, advice, and help for different needs. In this guide, we will cover the types of services social housing organisations typically offer.

Housing Management

The core work of a social landlord is managing tenancies and buildings. This includes:

Signing up new tenants and explaining their rights and responsibilities
Collecting rent and service charges
Responding to requests about repairs or changes in personal details
Handling complaints and disputes between neighbours
Giving out information about tenancy agreements

These services help households settle in and remain secure in their homes.

Property Maintenance and Repairs

Social landlords are responsible for keeping properties in good condition. They carry out:

Day-to-day repairs, such as fixing broken doors, windows or kitchens
Emergency repairs for things like water leaks or loss of heating
Planned maintenance, such as repainting, replacing windows and updating kitchens or bathrooms on a schedule
Safety checks, including annual gas safety checks and regular inspections for fire alarms, wiring, and water hygiene

Keeping properties safe, warm, and well-maintained is a basic promise to tenants.

Support and Advice Services

Some tenants need extra support. Most housing organisations offer help such as:

Advice about paying rent, claiming benefits, and dealing with debt
Support for tenants who face difficulties with their tenancy (like hoarding, noise problems or falling into arrears)
Schemes to help people overcome barriers to employment or education
Help for older people or those with disabilities to access aids, adaptations, or home care

Staff might signpost tenants to specialist agencies where more support is needed.

Allocations and Lettings

Social landlords manage how homes are let out. This involves:

Operating waiting lists
Assessing who has greatest need following the local allocation policy
Matching vacant homes to people on the list
Giving people information so they can make choices about different properties

This service ensures homes go to those who need them most.

Anti-Social Behaviour and Neighbour Disputes

Anti-social behaviour means actions that harm or upset others living nearby. Social landlords try to keep neighbourhoods safe and peaceful by:

Investigating complaints about noise, harassment, or vandalism
Mediating between tenants who are in dispute
Working with police and local agencies to find solutions
Taking action, such as warnings or legal steps, against those who break tenancy rules

Support is offered to victims of ASB, with extra help to those at most risk.

Adaptations for Tenants with Disabilities

People with physical disabilities often need changes to their homes. Landlords provide:

Physical adaptations like ramps, stairlifts or accessible bathrooms
Advice on funding through Disabled Facilities Grants
Help arranging assessments with occupational therapists

Small changes may be simple, larger adaptations are planned carefully so tenants can live independently.

Community Engagement and Involvement

Living somewhere is more than just having a home. Social landlords often help build strong communities by:

Supporting resident associations or tenant groups
Organising events, training and activities in local areas
Providing grants for community projects or improvements
Involving tenants in decision making, such as consulting about new policies or services

These services help tenants shape the places where they live.

Supported and Sheltered Housing

Some social housing schemes are designed for people with extra needs. The main types are:

Supported housing: Offers extra help, such as on-site staff, for those recovering from addiction, people leaving care, or those with mental health needs
Sheltered housing: For older or disabled people, with active support and emergency alarm systems

Staff in these settings help residents live as independently as possible while staying safe.

Financial and Welfare Advice

Money worries are common. To tackle this, social landlords offer:

Guidance on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and other benefits
Help filling in forms and making applications
Debt advice or referrals to debt counselling services
Budgeting support, such as help with household bills

Some organisations have in-house welfare rights teams or can arrange home visits.

Moving On and Tenancy Preparation

For people moving into a first home or leaving supported accommodation, starting out can be tricky. Support may include:

Information on how to manage a tenancy
Help with setting up bills, understanding new costs, and arranging furniture or basic appliances
Training in life skills (for example, cooking, cleaning, or basic DIY)

This prevents tenancy failure and reduces the risk of future homelessness.

Tackling Homelessness

Many social landlords help prevent or reduce homelessness by:

Offering advice for people at immediate risk of losing their home
Working with councils and support agencies to offer temporary accommodation
Helping people find long-term permanent homes
Assisting with moves from hostels, refuges or the street into stable housing

This service is central to social housing’s public duty.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse, harm, or neglect. Social housing workers are trained to:

Spot signs of abuse or neglect in vulnerable tenants
Report concerns about children or adults at risk
Work with police, social services, or healthcare professionals to keep people safe

Staff may also help tenants access support, such as mental health or domestic abuse services.

Digital Inclusion

Access to the internet and technology is becoming vital. Some social landlords run digital inclusion schemes, helping tenants to:

Set up broadband and email accounts
Learn computer basics
Use the internet safely for jobs, benefits and education

This breaks down barriers and reduces social isolation.

Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

Good health helps tenants thrive. Many landlords promote wellbeing through:

Organising health checks, flu jabs or exercise classes onsite
Advising tenants on healthy eating or quitting smoking
Running mental health support groups or coffee mornings

Working in partnership with health services brings extra benefits to communities.

Emergency and Crisis Support

Sometimes tenants have emergencies, such as flood, fire, domestic violence or bereavement. Social landlords can step in with:

Emergency repairs and rehousing
Crisis loans or grants for urgent needs
Referrals to other agencies

This quick action helps tenants cope and recover.

Language and Interpretation Support

Language barriers can stop tenants getting help. Some social housing providers offer:

Translated leaflets, tenancy agreements and letters
Access to interpreters during home visits or important meetings
Support finding local language classes

This means everybody has a fair chance to use services and get their needs met.

Practical Help with Moving In or Out

Moving home is difficult for many people. Social landlords can offer:

Help with removals, packing or arranging transport, particularly for older people or those with disabilities
Support with redirection of mail, utilities and other practicalities

This makes starting or ending a tenancy less stressful.

Working in Partnership

Landlords often work closely with:

Local councils
Police or community safety teams
Health and support agencies
Charities and voluntary groups

By sharing information and resources, they provide a stronger network of support for tenants.

Environmental and Gardening Services

Some tenants want support to look after gardens and shared spaces. Social landlords may:

Arrange communal gardening days
Offer advice on recycling and waste disposal
Run schemes for growing food or creating wildlife areas

These services encourage pride in the local environment and stronger neighbourhood bonds.

Final Thoughts

Social housing services cover many areas of daily life. They go far beyond collecting rent and letting homes. From practical repairs to emotional and financial support, social landlords play a vital part in people’s lives. Their staff work to create strong communities and help tenants overcome challenges, allowing them to build secure and positive futures.