22 February 2026
| In this issue: – SHAC Research Finds Overcharging in More Than 63% of Tribunal Cases – SHAC Article: London Rents a Blow to Key Workers – The Times Interviewee Call Out – Ministry of Housing Research Opportunity – Members Newsy Nuggets – SHAC Monthly Meeting Reminder: 6.30pm, Thursday 26th February |
 Read Here SHAC Research & ArticleService Charge Abuse: Overcharging Confirmed in over 63% of Tribunal Cases New research carried out by SHAC shows that, across all cases where service charges were challenged at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (FTT), more than 63% of landlords were found to have overcharged for services. Housing associations were the worst offenders, with an overcharging rate of more than 66%. The report was primarily produced as evidence in support of our strategic legal action on service charges. However, it has also been shared with all MPs, developed into an article, and circulated across social media. Read more here. Please like and share: Instagram ~ Bluesky ~ Twitter ~ Facebook |
 Read Here SHAC Article – London Rents a Blow to Key Workers SHAC member and Peabody activist Mary Pimm writes that in November 2024, the Mayor of London initiated a consultation about devising a Key Worker Living Rent (KWLR) plan. Because he failed to consult all interested parties, the dominant voices were housing associations, councils and other providers. The KWLRs are now set at slightly less than 80% of market rent. Their decision rests on an assumption that 80% of market rent is affordable for key workers, but this is simply not true. Read the article here. Please like and share: Instagram ~ Bluesky ~ Twitter ~ Facebook |
 The Times – Interviewee Call Out Awaab’s Law Jennifer Kennedy from The Times is writing about Awaab’s Law which introduced strict timeframes for investigating and resolving cases of damp and mould. If you have complained to your landlord or council about damp or mould after October 2025 but your complaint hasn’t been dealt with in the required timeframe, and you accept that your full name and photo can be included in the article, please contact jennifer.kennedy@thetimes.co.uk. |
 Research OpportunityMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Verian, an independent social research agency is working with MHCLG to understand tenant experiences of Awaab’s Law. The aim is to inform improvements for future phases of the Law, shape policy, and provide insights to help landlords strengthen compliance. Researchers are keen to speak to residents who have experiences of Awaab’s law after October 2025. The research would involve a 60 minute interview and all participants will receive a £50 high-street shopping voucher as a thank you. If you are interested, please contact awaabslaw@veriangroup.com. |
| Members’ Newsy Nuggets |
 Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements Scheme (STAIRS). The Government has introduced new laws which give social housing tenants of social landlords (typically housing associations) rights to access information about how their homes are managed. The Housing Ombudsman ran a presentation on the scheme which can be watched here, or you can download the slides here. Social Housing Conditions. A Parliamentary inquiry into social housing conditions highlights lack of progress on bringing social homes up to the Decent Homes Standard. Just under 430,000 properties still fail to meet even this basic standard, yet the government’s new Decent Homes Standard will not be implemented in full until 2035. Read more here. Planning Laws Proposals. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is consulting on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system. This includes questions on regulations around accessible housing. See more and respond here. |
 SHAC Monthly Meeting Our next monthly SHAC meeting will hear updates on all our campaigns and is open to all members. It is an opportunity for you to share any campaigns or actions you are organising to challenge bad practice by your landlord. Please join us: 6.30pm, Thursday 26th February 2026Zoom Link ~ Passcode: 459809 Add the appointment to your calendar here. |
| More Information |
| Join our WhatsApp Communities SHAC Campaigns Tribunals Support | SHAC Leaseholders & Shared Owners | Housing Ombudsman Payment Strike Clarion | Hyde | MTVHA | Notting Hill Genesis | Riverside / One Housing | L&Q | Southern | Peabody | Guinness | Home Group | THCH | A2 Dominion | Sanctuary | SNG Council Housing Tenants & Residents | Private Corporate Landlords |
 Nextdoor Network – Recruit to SHAC Join Nextdoor Posting a message on the Nextdoor app is one great way to encourage tenants and residents from your landlord (or other housing associations) to join SHAC and build critical strength. It will help to raise awareness of SHAC’s work and to encourage more recruits to lobby the Government and get our voices heard. Nextdoor is a Facebook-style social networking site that links people in the same locality. You can find out more and get set up here. |