Analysis of January 2026 performance data shows the median “true” current tenant arrears rate is now around 14% lower than January 2025. If typical year-end adjustments follow their usual pattern, arrears could fall to around 2.5% by March, potentially the lowest level recorded since Housemark began collecting this data through Pulse.

Arrears have been running around 5% below last year’s levels throughout the 2025/26 financial year, suggesting a sustained improvement in income performance across the sector. However, the January data also highlights clear differences between landlord types. 

Housing associations recorded a 4.4% reduction in arrears compared with January 2025, while arm’s-length management organisations saw a smaller 0.5% decrease. In contrast, local authorities recorded a median arrears increase of 2.7% year-on-year, reflecting the differing resources and operational pressures faced across the sector.

Alongside improvements in arrears, the latest Pulse survey highlights continued pressure on repairs services as landlords respond to seasonal demand and winter weather. January saw the highest monthly volume of responsive repairs recorded since Pulse began, with a median of 327 repairs completed per 1,000 homes. Despite the surge in demand, 87.4% of repairs were completed within target times and tenant satisfaction with repairs remained steady year-on-year.

Jonathan Cox, chief data officer at Housemark, said: “January is normally one of the most challenging months of the year for rent collection, so seeing arrears continue to fall is a very positive signal for the sector.

“At the same time, landlords are dealing with record demand for repairs services. What the data shows is that where organisations invest in frontline teams and strong operational systems, they are better able to manage rising demand while maintaining service performance.”

Housemark’s Monthly Pulse survey is based on performance data submitted by 160 social housing providers across the UK for the month of January 2026, covering a set of operational performance indicators developed with the sector and regulators.

Other findings from Housemark’s Pulse survey include:

• The median average relet time for standard lettings increased to 44 days
• The proportion of dwellings vacant but available to let fell by 6.9% to 0.54%
• The percentage of working days lost to sickness absence fell to 3.8%
• 96.9% of emergency hazards were resolved within 24 hours
• Significant damp and mould hazards were investigated within ten working days in 89% of cases
• Repairs to address significant damp and mould hazards were initiated within five working days in 86.3% of cases