AHB - Approved Housing Bodies

Statutory and regulatory change in the AHB sector requires the social and affordable property portfolios to meet the minimum accommodation standards as set out in current legislation. This means outsourcing the inspection of these properties to an independent partner is the right decision to ensure regulatory standards are met.

Inspex provides AHBs with independent inspection services and verification of minimum accommodation standards with current Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, while our property support team is on hand to answer queries throughout the process.

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 brought AHB tenancies under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) while The Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 marked another significant milestone for the sector. The move from a voluntary framework to the Statutory Regulatory Framework signifies the sector is moving toward a better regulated space. But this means that AHBs are expected to ensure their rented properties comply with the current housing standards as well as with all other relevant legislation.

The Government’s housing strategy places AHBs at the centre of housing provision in Ireland, with a view to these organisations delivering one third of social and affordable homes, in partnership with local authorities, in the coming years. Latest figures from the Approved Housing Body Regulatory Authority indicate there are approximately 450 AHBs in Ireland with 54,000 properties under management for families on low incomes, households with special needs, such as older persons, people with disabilities and homeless persons. To ensure this number of rented properties meets regulatory standards, best practice is to outsource inspection and verification to an experienced partner.