The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in England issued its judgement on the council of the London borough of Haringey on Wednesday 28 October. The council received a C4 grade – the lowest on the scale of consumer standards for tenants. It is the council’s first such grading, following an inspection which, according to the regulator, found very serious failings.
The regulator pointed to a large backlog of repairs, including damp and mould cases. In 2025/26 only around half of non-emergency repairs were completed on time. Almost 4,000 remedial fire-safety actions were overdue, including more than 1,400 classed as high risk.
The RSH also highlighted late responses to tenants’ complaints, low tenant satisfaction and weak oversight. The council did not inform the regulator about significant issues. According to the RSH, the council has said it is willing to improve and has taken some action, but has not yet shown that it understands the risk to tenants and can put it right. The regulator says it will keep close oversight and use its powers if necessary.
What it means for you
If you rent a council home from Haringey, you have the right to demand timely repairs – especially for damp, mould and fire-safety defects. The C4 grade means the regulator will now be watching the council closely. It is a good moment to report problems in writing.
For tenants of other councils and housing associations, it is a signal that the regulator checks not only paperwork but also real repairs and complaint handling.
Our assessment
The lowest grade is a serious warning, but it does not mean immediate improvement. Clearing thousands of overdue cases will take time. Tenants who document defects and make formal complaints will be in a stronger position if the case goes to the Housing Ombudsman.
What to do
- Report defects in writing (by email or the council’s online form) and keep photos and reference numbers.
- If the council does not respond, make a formal complaint, after which you can turn to the Housing Ombudsman.
- The regulator’s full judgement: GOV.UK – Haringey London Borough Council.
Source: GOV.UK, Regulator of Social Housing (28 October 2026).
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