County Durham landlord Livin upgraded by the Regulator of Social Housing

Livin Housing Limited, the County Durham-based housing association, has been upgraded to a C1 consumer grade in regulatory judgements published today by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). It had previously been graded C2.

RSH said Livin had strengthened its understanding of the condition of its homes since its inspection in November 2024. The regulator found the association had improved how it monitors the condition of its homes and uses that information to plan future repairs and investment, and that it works more effectively with residents to maintain safe, good quality homes.

Livin's governance grade of G1 and financial viability grade of V1 are unchanged, based on previous assessments.

Community Gateway Association Limited, based in Preston, Lancashire, was also upgraded from C2 to C1. RSH said it had strengthened its health and safety management since its inspection in July 2025, improved governance and accountability, and shown that its repairs and maintenance services are working well. It was also communicating better with tenants and had increased understanding of their diverse needs. Its G1 and V1 grades are unchanged.

Kate Dodsworth, Deputy Chief Executive at RSH, said: "Landlords that achieve a C1 grading show they are putting tenants at the heart of their services, maintaining safe and decent homes, and responding effectively when issues arise." She added: "We expect landlords to use good quality information and strong governance to drive improvements, support thriving communities, and help meet housing need through the delivery of more and better social homes."

Two other judgements were published today. Amplius Living, based in Milton Keynes and formed from the merger of Longhurst Group Limited and Grand Union Housing Group Limited in December 2024, received grades of C2, G1 and V2. RSH found appropriate systems for tenant health and safety but weaknesses in its repairs service, with complaints and customer feedback showing issues around service quality and communication, and challenges in meeting the increased legal requirements on damp and mould under Awaab's Law. Watford Community Housing Trust in Hertfordshire received an interim judgement confirming G1 and V2 grades, following its merger with Thrive Homes in June 2026.