The government have introduced a new policy called the Social Tenant Access to Information Requests (STAIRs) which increases openness and transparency for residents.
STAIRs is being implemented in two stages – from 1 October 2026, we must publish key information about our organisation and how we are run.
From 1 April, residents can request information about the management of our organisation.
Here we break down exactly what STAIRs is, what it means and how we are preparing for the change.
What is STAIRs?
Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) is a new government policy.
It gives social housing tenants the right to ask their landlord for information about how its social housing is managed.
STAIRs is being introduced in two stages.
Stage 1 – 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, housing providers must publish information about:
- how they run their organisation
- how they spend money
- the homes they own
- their performance
- the services they provide
While STAIRs means we must publish certain information, it also specifies that we do not need to publish information we do not hold.
We have created a STAIRs page on our website with links to the information we currently publish, and we will be updating and working through this to ensure we are publishing the information we hold.
Stage 2 – 1 April 2027
From 1 April, residents can ask us directly for information about the management of our housing.
Unless there is good reason not to, we must share the information within 30 calendar days. The type of information a resident can request can be things like:
- Anti-social behaviour
- Complaints handling
- Procedures, and performance
- Health and safety
- Rent rates
- Property conditions, repairs and improvements to property
- Service charges
- Stock profile
- Energy efficiency information
- Estate management
If a resident is unhappy with the information we provide, they can ask for a review. If they remain unhappy after the review, or do not receive a response, they can make a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.
Who is STAIRs for?
You can use STAIRs if you are a current Teign Homes resident. This includes tenants on probationary or trial tenancies, and shared owners.
STAIRs does not apply to:
- leaseholders who own 100% of their property
- resident associations making a group request
- council tenants – they can request information under the Freedom of Information Act
- private landlord tenants
- tenant panels or resident associations
Is this similar to a Subject Access Request?
No. They are legally distinct, governed differently and processed for different purposes.
A subject Access Request is a request to obtain personal data held about a resident from the organisation. This may be things such as emails, letters, notes and correspondence.
A STAIRs request is to obtain information about how we manage our social housing. This may be things such as information about policies, spending, performance, decision making, how we manage our stock or how we operate.
For any questions or further information on STAIRs please contact our Customer Hub on 01626 322722, option 2 or email customerhub@teignhousing.co.uk.