Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) learning resource

About STAIRs

STAIRs is a new government policy that came into force on 1 October 2026.

From this date, private registered providers (PRPs) are required to proactively publish information about the management of their properties. We are the appointed complaint body for the policy. STAIRs only applies to PRPs, such as housing associations, and their tenants.

The policy will first focus on ensuring PRPs are publishing the right information. Their tenants will be able to request reviews of this information if they believe their PRP has failed to provide information.

From 1 April 2027, Chapter 2 of the policy will come into effect. From this date, tenants will be able to ask for information directly from their PRP about the management of their social housing.

The government has published its policy statement, which sets out what information PRPs must publish.

Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements: policy statement – GOV.UK

We will continue to share updates and learning from our casework.

Please note that STAIRs does not apply to all social housing landlords and tenants.

Guidance

Landlord expectations

Learn more about what is expected of you under STAIRs, and our role in the policy.

Landlord expectations (opens in a new tab)

Resident support guide

Use this guide to make the review and complaints process easier and clearer.

It will help you understand your rights, know what steps to take, and get practical advice on STAIRs.

Resident support guide (opens in a new tab)

Landlord training

Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) microleaning

You can use this microleanring to get key information about the STAIRs requirements and complaints service.

The learning is broken down into 5 sections covering:

  • changes to the Housing Ombudsman Scheme
  • STAIRs Policy Statement – key information
  • handling STAIRs reviews
  • STAIRs complaint investigations at the Housing Ombudsman Service
  • further reading and guidance

This course is not suitable for local authorities who instead come under the Freedom of Information Act regulations.

Access the training on the Learning Hub (opens in a new tab)

Landlord Learning Hub

Your free training platform from the Centre for Learning

The Learning Hub gives you easy access to expert training designed for member landlords.

Create your account today and start using a wide range of resources to strengthen your complaint handling and meet the policy’s requirements.

Create an account (opens in a new tab)

Podcasts

Knowledge and information management playlist

Maintaining accurate records and having strong systems will be central to success in STAIRs. Explore a series of thought-provoking conversations designed to help you master knowledge and information management.

These episodes bring together sector experts and leaders to share practical insights, success stories, and strategies that make a real difference.

Listen on SoundCloud (opens in a new tab)

Resident information

Resident support guide

Use this collection of support guide to make the complaints process easier and clearer.

They will help you understand your rights, know what steps to take, and get practical advice on all aspects of complaints.

These resources will give you the confidence to raise issues and get them resolved.

Resident support guides (opens in a new tab)
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Who can use our service

This page explains who can bring a complaint to us, what to do if you no longer live at the property, and when we will consider a complaint including complaints relating to Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs).

Who can use our service (opens in a new tab)