RSH Mulls Over Mandatory Deregistration of Easy Housing Association

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has issued a regulatory judgement today, Monday 27 July 2026, indicating its consideration of using its authority to remove Easy Housing Association from the register of social housing providers. This decision comes in light of Easy’s ongoing and significant failures to comply with the Governance and Financial Viability Standard as well as the Rent Standard.

Operating primarily in Birmingham and London, Easy is a relatively small social housing provider that facilitates housing through lease agreements with private landlords. The RSH’s latest actions follow a series of intensive engagements and enforcement measures that began in July 2025, aimed at addressing Easy’s operational shortcomings. Despite these efforts, Easy has not met the conditions outlined in the enforcement notice, including the appointment of a manager to oversee its social housing responsibilities.

Challenges in Governance and Compliance

In July 2025, the RSH appointed three individuals to Easy’s board to bolster governance and provide essential expertise in finance, governance, and tenant safety. However, Easy has not sufficiently cooperated with these appointees, who have been tasked with enhancing the organisation’s operational capabilities. The RSH has decided to extend their appointments by an additional three months while it deliberates on the potential de-registration, aiming to protect the interests of tenants during this period.

With regard to the Governance and Financial Viability Standard, Easy has been unable to demonstrate effective governance arrangements or a robust business planning framework. Furthermore, it has not shown that it is managing its resources adequately to maintain its financial viability, thereby placing its social housing stock at risk. The RSH has determined that Easy has not set its rents appropriately in compliance with the Rent Standard, nor do they meet the definition of social housing.

Opportunities for Representation

Easy is entitled to make representations to the RSH, which will be taken into account before any final decision is rendered. Jonathan Walters, Chief Executive of the RSH, emphasised the responsibilities that come with being a registered social landlord, stating, “We expect landlords to take prompt and effective action when we identify failings – but Easy has failed to address its issues or work constructively with us, despite our enforcement powers.” He expressed concern that Easy lacks a credible path to resolving its issues, leading to the consideration of compulsory de-registration.

The RSH has a statutory obligation to maintain the register of social housing providers and may remove a provider if it fails to meet established standards as specified under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008. Prior to such action, the RSH must issue a warning notice, allowing the provider at least 14 days to respond.

Regulatory Framework and Enforcement Actions

Designated as a small landlord due to its ownership of fewer than 1,000 social homes, Easy is not assigned grades by the RSH, which only issues regulatory judgements in cases of significant weaknesses. Registered providers are responsible for effectively managing their operations and ensuring compliance with RSH standards. When failures are identified, the RSH anticipates a prompt and effective response. In situations where providers do not comply, the RSH may be compelled to invoke its powers under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

The RSH had previously issued an enforcement notice to Easy in July 2025, following a regulatory notice in March 2023, which mandated specific actions to rectify serious regulatory concerns. The RSH’s authority extends to requiring a registered provider to appoint a manager to oversee social housing affairs if necessary.

Board Composition and Recent Changes

As part of its oversight efforts, the RSH appointed three individuals to Easy’s board in July 2025: Nicole Seymour, Sayeed Haris, and Waseem Butt, with their appointments renewed in January 2026 and July 2026. However, following personal reasons, Nicole Seymour has stepped down, and she will be succeeded by Susanne Dodd, who holds the position of Director of Governance and Legal Services at Sanctuary Group. Dodd, Haris, and Butt will continue as statutory appointees for the next three months as the RSH evaluates its next steps.

For media inquiries, please contact Vicky Moore at vicky.moore@rsh.gov.uk or Christian Cosby at christian.cosby@rsh.gov.uk. General inquiries can be directed to enquiries@rsh.gov.uk.