Glossary
Registered provider of social housing
Also called: RP, Private registered provider, PRP, Housing association
In one sentence
A landlord registered with the Regulator of Social Housing, such as a housing association or council.
Registered providers are regulated on governance, finances and consumer standards. Their supported housing is exempt from HMO licensing and, for Housing Benefit subsidy, their exempt rents are generally fully reimbursed to councils.
Related terms
Rent officerAn official at the Valuation Office Agency who assesses rents for Housing Benefit, including exempt rents from non-registered landlords.Subsidy lossHousing Benefit a council pays that the DWP does not reimburse, such as exempt rent above a rent officer's figure.Lease-based providerA registered provider that leases most of its supported housing from investors, often on long, inflation-linked leases.
Where it comes up
- The Renters' Rights Act and supported accommodationSince 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 has turned private assured shorthold tenancies into periodic assured tenancies and removed section 21. That includes supported housing let on assured tenancies by landlords that are not registered providers. Licences are not covered. New grounds 5E and 5F let certain supported housing landlords seek possession on four weeks' notice.
- The four categories of specified accommodationSpecified accommodation is the group of supported housing types where rent is paid through Housing Benefit, even for people on Universal Credit. There are four categories. Exempt accommodation, managed properties, domestic abuse refuges and local authority hostels. Each has its own tests for who the landlord can be and whether support is required.
- What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.