In 2024 Tower Hamlets Council made the bold decision to refer themselves to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) over concerns about their housing stock. This summer the local authority gave details of a massive new programme to upgrade homes in the borough. We want to have a look here, so read on to see what is in the works. Then, if you want to arrange guaranteed rent in Tower Hamlets, we’d love to help you.

Referral

It’s RHS’s job to set standards and regulate social housing. They ensure social landlords do the right things, including providing safe, energy efficient, good quality homes. They also have the power to do regulatory inspections too. Ultimately, they work to improve social housing for all stakeholders.

The RHS did a review of social housing in Tower Hamlets after the Council referred itself. Their findings were quite alarming. In 2025 they gave a C3 grade, one of the lowest scores for consumer standards. They found serious failings, such as 2,500 homes with fire safety concerns. Overall, almost a quarter of the entire 11,000 housing stock did not meet the Decent Homes Standard (DHS). As a result, improvements are necessary to meet RHS’s standards.

The programme

In light of the C3 grading, Tower Hamlets began planning how to improve their social housing. It will be the biggest improvement programme in the Borough’s history. Over the next decade, it will upgrade homes and neighbourhoods, making them safer and better places to live. Talk to us about guaranteed rent in Tower Hamlets if you have assets.

In total, there will be a £500m investment. It will include four massive contracts, totalling £320m. Two are for modernising homes, while the other pair is for building safety upgrades. Additionally, there will be four £30m contracts specifically for SMEs, again to provide home improvements.

On top of the £500m, there will be an additional £89m investment for more specific improvements. This includes key things like lift installation, electrical works, and mechanical upgrades (such as plumbing, HVAC, fire safety systems, etc). Again they will be done over the next decade.

Comments

Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman and cabinet member for homebuilding Saied Ahmed both had praise for the plans. Mayor Rahman said the borough has a “strong tradition” as a social housing provider; the investment will make the legacy stronger and prioritise residents. Councillor Ahmed said the programme showcases their goal to deliver “safe, high quality, energy efficient homes”.

Never miss out with guaranteed rent in Tower Hamlets

The process began last month to select contractors for the eight main contracts. Tower Hamlets Council will announce them in the future. The next decade will be a really exciting time for homes and residents in the borough. It could breathe new life into numerous neighbourhoods.

If all of these improvements make you consider investing in Tower Hamlets, or if you already have assets here, we have some top services for you. You can work with us to quickly guarantee rent for different homes. It’s an excellent way to ensure you get a payment every month, and therefore avoid potential financial difficulties.

You’re welcome to contact us if you want to learn about guaranteed rent in Tower Hamlets or other parts of London. We’re a leading provider, working with councils across the city so we can give you the best solutions.