STAIRs: publication scheme and information requests for small landlords
The Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) apply to private registered providers, whatever their size. Since 1 October 2026 you must publish information about how you're run, and from 1 April 2027 tenants can ask you for information, with 30 calendar days to reply.
What STAIRs asks of you
- Publish the information you hold in seven classes, from governance and spending to performance and policies.
- Make tenants aware of your publication scheme, and review it regularly.
- Publish a policy on how you decide whether it's reasonable to withhold information.
- From 1 April 2027, answer written requests within 30 calendar days, unless there's a good reason not to.
- Carry out reviews when tenants are unhappy, and tell them they can then go to the Housing Ombudsman.
What you get
See the sample: STAIRs publication scheme template · STAIRs information access policy template
Related guides
- STAIRs publication scheme: what small providers must publish
- STAIRs information requests from April 2027
Questions
Does STAIRs apply to almshouses?
If the almshouse charity is a private registered provider, yes. STAIRs' definition of a tenant includes licensees, such as almshouse residents.
Do we have to create new documents to publish?
No. You publish the information you hold in each class. You don't have to create new records just to publish them.
What about a tenant asking for their own records?
That's a subject access request under data protection law, not STAIRs. The log lets you mark it, and gives you the right letter.