Tenancy Audit Policy

This policy sets out Welwyn Hatfield Council’s (WHBC) approach to tenancy audits for general needs and sheltered housing. It ensures that tenancies are used appropriately, that properties are maintained, and that tenants receive the support they need. The policy provides guidance on WHBC’s obligations to promote tenancy sustainability, property upkeep, and resident wellbeing.

Effective Date:    

TBC

Review Date:    

TBC

Author:    

Janice White, Assistant Director (Homes & Neighbourhood)

Strategy Owned by:    

Neighbourhoods 

Statute:    

Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023
Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025 – “Awaab’s Law”
Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013
Housing Act 1985 and 1996
Human Rights Act 1998 
Housing Act 2004 
Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 
General Data Protection Regulation 2016 and Data Protection Act 2018 
Regulator of Social Housing 

National Standards and Guidance    

Best Value Standards and Intervention
Regulator of Social Housing Homes Standard
Regulator of Social Housing Tenancy Standard
Regulator of Social Housing Tenant Involvement & Empowerment Standard

Related Policies    

Aids & Adaptation Policy 
Tenancy Policy
Mutual Exchange Policy
Succession Policy
Complaints policy and procedure
Repairs Policy
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy
Vulnerable Person & Reasonable Adjustment Policy
Data Protection guidelines
Anti-fraud and Corruption Policy

1.1    The tenancy audit programme ensures tenancies are used appropriately, properties are maintained, and tenants receive the support they need. It verifies occupancy, prevents tenancy fraud, identifies safeguarding or support needs, and maintains accurate tenancy records.

1.2    For general needs tenancies, at least 15% are audited annually, prioritising those with no repair requests or contact in the past 12 months, persistent no access or flagged by Neighbourhood Officers or other proactive fraud prevention work. Tenants are usually given fourteen days, (10 working days), notice unless a no-notice visit is justified. Audits include identity checks, property condition inspections, and assessment of support needs, with all outcomes recorded and followed up within set timescales.

1.3    For sheltered housing, 100% of tenancies are audited every two years. These audits are person-centred, focusing on wellbeing, fire safety, and social inclusion. Identification checks and tenancy verification are carried out sensitively, coordinated with routine contact to minimise disruption. Safeguarding concerns or tenancy breaches are escalated promptly, and outcomes are shared internally for coordinated support.

1.4    Tenants must cooperate by providing access, presenting valid identification, reporting concerns or support needs, and maintaining their property in a reasonable condition.

1.5    Performance is monitored through key indicators, including audit completion rates, timeliness of follow-up actions, tenancy fraud cases identified, and tenant satisfaction.