The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a consultation on a new code of practice for residential stock condition surveys.

With over four million households living in affordable and social rented housing in the UK, the quality of these homes remains under close scrutiny. RICS says there is a clear need for consistency to help raise housing standards across the sector.

The new Residential Stock Condition Survey Code of Practice is being developed to guide professionals, including RICS members, on how to carry out stock condition surveys from start to finish.

By providing clear, practical guidance, the code aims to give greater assurance to tenants, boards, and other stakeholders, while helping social housing providers—including housing associations, local authorities, and arms-length management organisations (ALMOs)—better manage their homes.

The guidance is designed not just for RICS members and regulated firms, but for all social housing providers, with the goal of improving quality and consistency across the sector.

Mairéad Carroll, senior specialist, residential, at RICS, said: “The new code outlines the core principles of stock condition surveys, including legal and regulatory frameworks, best practice, survey design, and post-survey work. It sets out practical templates and guidance to support effective implementation, helping organisations prepare for the next phase of stock condition surveys and improving the likelihood of successful outcomes.

“I would encourage RICS members and firms, social housing providers, and others working across the housing sector to engage with this consultation. Gaining the insight of people working in social housing will be critical to make sure that we get this code of practice right from day one.”