Housing Act 1996

Housing complaints

51 Schemes for investigation of complaints

(1) The provisions of Schedule 2 have effect for the purpose of enabling tenants and other individuals to have complaints against social landlords investigated by a housing ombudsman in accordance with a scheme approved by the Secretary of State.

(2) For the purposes of that Schedule a “social landlord” means—

(a) a registered social landlord;

(b) a transferee of housing pursuant to a qualifying disposal under section 135 of the [1993 c. 28.] Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993;

(c) a body which has acquired dwellings under Part IV of the [1988 c. 50.] Housing Act 1988 (change of landlord: secure tenants); or

(d) any other body which was at any time registered with the Corporation and which owns or manages publicly-funded dwellings.

(3) In subsection (2)(d) a “publicly-funded dwelling” means a dwelling which was—

(a) provided by means of a grant under—

• section 18 of this Act (social housing grant), or

• section 50 of the Housing Act 1988, section 41 of the [1985 c. 69.] Housing Associations Act 1985, or section 29 or 29A of the [1974 c. 44.] Housing Act 1974 (housing association grant); or

(b) acquired on a disposal by a public sector landlord.

(4) The Secretary of State may by order add to or amend the descriptions of landlords who are to be treated as social landlords for the purposes of Schedule 2.

(5) Before making any such order the Secretary of State shall consult such persons as he considers appropriate.

(6) Any such order shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.