We work with tenant representatives through the Tenants Together (Scotland) Scottish Housing Regulator Liaison Group as one of the ways we hear directly from tenants and service users and make sure we focus on the things that matter most to them.
This is the fifth blog from these meetings from Helen Trouten Torres, SHR Board Member and Liaison Group Chair, and covers the in-person meeting which took place on 18 August 2026.
The meeting began with a discussion involving SHR Board Chair Garry Coutts and SHR's Director of Regulation, Helen Shaw. This gave members an opportunity to discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities facing the social housing sector and the Regulator over the coming years. The discussion covered public sector reform & future priorities for SHR; financial sustainability of landlords, and the importance of maintaining a strong focus on tenant and resident safety. The group also discussed future tenant representation on the SHR Board. Members welcomed SHR's commitment to tenant representation and discussed the valuable contribution that lived experience makes to governance and decision making.
The conversation then moved to tenant and resident safety, where the group explored preparations for the introduction of Awaab's Law and considered wider issues including damp and mould, electrical safety and the quality of tenants' homes. Members emphasised the importance of providing clear and accessible information to help tenants understand their rights and the protections available to them.
Members also reflected on joint working approaches between landlords and highlighted the importance of involving tenants when decisions are made about service delivery arrangements that may affect them.
The discussion with Garry & Helen Shaw concluded with consideration of the challenges associated with achieving net zero ambitions within social housing. Members discussed the financial and practical implications for landlords and tenants, including the affordability of retrofit programmes, and the introduction of new technologies.
SHR then provided a presentation on the findings from the latest National Panel of Tenants and Service Users Report. The results highlighted ongoing concerns about rent affordability, energy costs and household finances, while also providing valuable insight into tenants' views on repairs, safety and landlord performance. Members reflected on how these findings can help inform both regulatory work and landlord services.
Tenants Together Scotland then provided an update on its recent work, including their recent AGM, membership recruitment, their continuing survey work focussing on Rent Consultation and Re-let Standards; and their participation in sector events.
The meeting also included an update on recent SHR Board activity and landlord visits. The group discussed the importance of supporting tenant participation and ensuring a strong tenant voice continues to be heard across the housing sector.
Members discussed examples of tenant engagement and governance approaches and reflected on the importance of supporting tenants who become involved in scrutiny, governance and decision-making roles.
The meeting concluded with updates on SHR's recent publications, Tenant Advisor and National Panel activity and forthcoming work.
The group's next meeting will take place online on 10 November 2026.