AHBRA's Quarterly Newsletter

Issue 1 - April 2022 

A message from our CEO - Susanna Lyons: 

I am delighted to introduce AHBRA's first quarterly newsletter. Our newsletters will be issued quarterly and aim to keep AHBs and key stakeholders informed of what is happening in AHBRA and of advancements in the new regulatory environment. 

In this issue we introduce the first version of the AHB Register, provide an update on the commencement of our powers, the Standards for AHBS, and the issuing of Requests for Information, among other highlights. Our website also contains important and up-to-date information and we encourage you to visit. 

We hope you find our newsletter informative. Please share with colleagues and encourage them to subscribe to our mailing list.

Susanna

Publication of the AHB Register

AHBRA have now published a first version of the Approved Housing Bodies (AHB) Register on its website, following the commencement of Section 26 of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019.  The Register contains a full list of all AHBs deemed to be registered following commencement of Section 34 of the Act.

The Register records the AHB’s name and address together with the AHBRA registration number assigned to each deemed AHB and the status of each AHB, which is currently ‘deemed’ to be registered.  The register will evolve as the registration process is undertaken to include more detailed information on AHBs which is aligned to legislative requirements.

All AHBs should check this register to confirm that the details held are accurate. If you identify any errors or there has been a change in your circumstances, you should contact AHBRA by emailing registration@ahbregulator.ie.

Commencement of Legislation for deemed AHBs 

On 1st January 2022, Minister O'Brien signed an Order to commence Section 34 of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019. 

Section 34 provides that existing AHBs approved under Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 will be ‘deemed to be registered'. That is, all organisations that have Approved Housing Body status and were listed on the Department's register, have been automatically ‘deemed to be registered'. 

AHBs deemed to be registered on 1st January 2022 are required to make an application for registration within a specific timeline. This timeline is dependent on the number of dwellings the organisation owns, leases or manages.

AHBRA will begin the registration process soon. Keep an eye on our website for more information

Standards for AHBs approved by Minister O'Brien  

On 15th February 2022, Minister Darragh O’Brien approved the Standards for AHBs. The approval of the Standards marks an important milestone in the phased introduction of the powers and functions of AHBRA. The Standards for AHBs are an integral part of the overall regulatory framework and functions of the Regulator. 

The Standards for AHBs were developed following engagement with the AHB sector and a wide range of key stakeholders. They establish a set of outcomes that AHBs are required to achieve in order to demonstrate the protection of housing assets provided or managed by AHBs.

Requests for Information issued 

On 7th February 2022, AHBRA issued a Request for information to all AHBs who have been ‘deemed to be registered’.

This important step is the start of AHBRA introducing the new statutory Registration framework. This information will provide AHBRA with an understanding of all deemed organisations and will enable us to provide AHBs with the appropriate advice and guidance on the new statutory requirements, including how and when to Register.

Organisations are reminded, if they have not done so already, to submit this information, alongside their latest set of financial statements.

A look back to 2021 - Minister launches Statement of Strategy

On 21st October 2021 AHBRA published our first three year strategy for the period 2021-2024. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, launched the Strategy alongside the Chair of AHBRA’s Board, Eddie Lewis, and CEO Susanna Lyons.

On the publishing of the statement of strategy Minister O’Brien said “I am pleased to be launching this Strategy Statement today which sets out the vision and mission of the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority for the next three years. AHBRA will be an important element in support of our ambitious housing agenda, overseeing the effective governance, financial management and performance of all AHBs”.

Our Vision is of a sector in which AHBs demonstrate best practice in the areas of governance, finance, property, and tenancy management and who provide quality homes for tenants.

Keep an eye out for:

Guidance - AHBRA will be issuing the first of a suite of Guidance for AHBs in the coming months. The aim of the initial guidance documents will be to provide AHBs with a better understanding of how to comply with the Standards. 

Events - We intend to arrange a series of educational webinars over the coming months to accompany the Guidance for the Standards. We will also be attending in person events, including the Housing Practitioners Conference in May, so please keep an eye out for our stall. 

Registration- AHBRA will begin the registration process soon. Keep an eye on our website for more information. In the meantime, all organisations should familiarise themselves with the Act and the eligibility criteria for registered AHBs.

For updates and information: 

For general queries: email us at info@ahbregulator.ie or call 01 - 224 3900

To subscribe to our mailing list, please contact communications@ahbregulator.ie 

Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority

Mount Street Upper 52, D02 KT73, Dublin 2