About STAIRs

Carer and patient

What is STAIRs?

STAIRs stands for Social Tenants Access to Information Requirement scheme. It is a new standard requirement introduced by the Government that gives social housing tenants clear access to landlord information such as Empower Housing.

Our STAIRs Policy can be found here.

The government requires that all housing providers introduce:

  • a publication scheme by 1st October 2026 – see below
  • information requests scheme by 1st April 2027

VIEW STAIRs POLICY

STAIRs Publication Scheme

Most of the information that we are required to publish under STAIRs is already available on Empower’s website and will be regularly updated.

Formats other than online

We are committed to making information listed in our Publication Scheme available free of charge online. If information is required to be provided in an accessible alternative format we also commit to providing a single copy of this information free of charge.

Where an individual requests additional copies of information, we may apply charges strictly to cover the actual costs incurred in providing additional copies.

Alternative Formats

If information is requested in an alternative accessible format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio format), we will provide the information free of charge.

We will also provide one translated copy of any information you request free of charge.

No Charge for Inspection

Information may be inspected at our office by appointment free of charge. Please contact us to arrange an appointment.

Reviews

Should you consider that we have not included information in our publication scheme, or that we have unduly redacted/removed information which you consider ought not to be redacted/removed, please request a review at admin@empowerhousing.org.uk. We will normally complete a review within 30 calendar days. If you remain unhappy you can refer your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.

Tenant Feedback on this Publication Scheme

We would welcome Tenant suggestions for improvements to this scheme. Please contact us at admin@empowerhousing.org.uk

Information Requests

The second element of the STAIRs scheme is that the government requires that all housing providers implement processes to respond to information requests from their tenants by 1st April 2027. Empower is currently developing these processes and will publicise them when they are introduced.