Regulator continues River Clyde Homes engagement over safety compliance and service performance

In an updated engagement position, the Regulator said it is working closely with the Greenock‑based landlord due to issues spanning service quality, stock quality, tenant and resident safety and because the organisation is considered systemically important within the sector due to its size, turnover and debt profile.

In August 2025, River Clyde Homes notified the Regulator that it was not fully compliant with electrical safety requirements introduced in 2022 as part of the Scottish Housing Quality Standard. The landlord began progressing Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) across its homes, and the Regulator sought assurance that full compliance would be achieved.

The landlord subsequently commissioned an independent review of its wider safety obligations. The Regulator said the findings confirmed areas of non‑compliance, particularly in relation to fire safety, electrical safety, lift safety, damp and mould, and asbestos management.

River Clyde Homes accepted the findings and has since made “material progress” in completing EICRs.

The Regulator concluded that River Clyde Homes is not currently compliant with the Standards of Governance and Financial Management. Social landlords must be able to evidence compliance with all legal obligations relating to tenant and resident safety, and governing bodies must have effective oversight, risk management and assurance processes.

River Clyde Homes is now implementing a tenant and resident safety action plan and will independently validate its completion. The Regulator is also seeking assurance on the landlord’s performance monitoring, risk management and internal assurance arrangements. An improvement plan will be developed to address these areas.

The Regulator’s review of 2024/25 performance data identified River Clyde Homes as one of the weakest performers for average re‑let times, prompting further engagement.

The landlord has also reported reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in 43 homes. The Regulator is seeking assurance that risks are being managed and that a long‑term strategy is in place.

The Regulator noted that River Clyde Homes is engaging “openly and constructively”.

A spokesperson for River Clyde Homes said the organisation’s “highest priority” is the safety and wellbeing of tenants, residents and staff.

“We identified issues relating to record keeping and reporting linked to electrical safety checks and informed the Scottish Housing Regulator immediately,” the spokesperson told SHN. “We also commissioned an independent review of our wider safety processes to ensure we fully understood the issue and any improvements required.”

The spokesperson said the review confirmed that safety work itself was being carried out properly, but improvements were required in processes for recording, checking and reporting safety information.

“We have already started implementing a detailed improvement plan, including strengthening oversight, improving systems and processes and providing additional resources.”

River Clyde Homes said it has kept the Regulator informed throughout and will continue to work “closely and openly” as improvements progress.