Publications
Our publications focus on the latest policy topics and practical advice that you need to do your job. CIH members can access all our publication documents for free, please ensure you are logged into the website.
Preparing for the Bedroom Tax and Beyond - Practice Guidance from CIH Scotland
Bedroom Tax and Beyond is a useful and practical guide to preparing for the Bedroom Tax from April 2013
This is also relevant to planning for the subsequent phased introduction of Universal Credit from October 2013
The challenges of developing and maintaining mixed tenure housing
CIH Scotland has carried out a short piece of research into the practical challenges of developing and then managing mixed tenure developments in Scotland.
How to help tenants manage their money
This guide considers the practical ways you can help your tenants improve their money management, access financial products which are right for them and know where to turn for advice and support.
How to tackle tenancy fraud
This guide provides an overview of the most effective counter-tenancy fraud measures, based on good practice collected from providers across England
Preventing the fraudulent misuse of socially rented properties is a priority for housing associations and local authorities alike, but concerns about where to start and how to make an impact without unnecessary expense can be a challenge.
Charter Toolkit – Measuring the Scottish social housing charter
This toolkit seeks to provide advice to councils and housing associations on how to respond to the challenge of evidencing compliance with Charter outcomes through a process of self-assessment
How to reduce under-occupation
With 1.7 million households on housing waiting lists in England and turnover of social rented homes at around 5 per cent, there has never been a more pressing need for social landlords to make the best possible use of the homes that they own and manage.
This briefing provides guidance on how to make downsizing a positive choice for tenants and includes several practical examples of organisations that run successful downsizing schemes.
Sponsored by Housing Partners
How to tackle disability related harassment
This how to briefing sets out what providers should be doing to respond to this challenge.
According to a poll commissioned by the Disability Rights Commission, one third of disabled adults and nearly half of adults with a mental health condition do not feel safe in their locality. As the social rented sector provides homes to a high percentage of disabled people, housing providers have a crucial role to play in tackling disability related hate crime.
How to deliver excellent customer service
To build a good and lasting relationship with your customers you need to find out what they want from you and – as far as you can – meet their expectations.
Excellent customer service is not an add-on to the business: it’s a vital component which needs to be valued and owned by all – if one part of the business doesn’t do this, it can affect the reputation and performance of the whole. It’s about getting the core business basics right and understanding how and where you can add extra value.
The practical implications of tenure reform
This how to covers the practical implications of tenure reform and will be of use to anyone who is likely to work with fixed term tenancies.
Areas covered include the nature of fixed term tenancies for both local authorities and housing associations, the relationship between fixed term tenancies and affordable rent, the rights of tenants with a fixed term tenancy and the processes for ending a fixed term tenancy.
How to develop your complaints process
This how to guide sets out key features of a successful complaints process, also summarising the forthcoming changes to regulation and to the ombudsman service that housing providers must be aware of
Devolving housing benefit: A discussion paper
This new report by CIH Scotland considers the scope and implications of devolving UK-reserved Housing Benefit to Scotland.
How to deliver quality housing and health partnerships
This 'how to' guide sets out how housing professionals can establish effective relationships with colleagues working in health, to improve outcomes for residents
The guide is particularly timely as budgets in both many housing and related support services and health services are facing budget constraints. These pressures could make the two sectors retreat in to their silos, or it could drive innovation in how housing and health together deliver more personalised and cost-effective services.
How to develop your tenancy policy
Tenancy policies have been introduced as part of the government's wider package of social housing reform. These reforms include the introduction of fixed term tenancies and affordable rent.
This guidance sets out how to develop a tenancy policy for your organisation. It explains the legal and regulatory expectations for your policy, the key decisions that you need to make and the things that you need to consider when determining your approach.
How to manage ASB cases effectively
This briefing sets out the practical steps that landlords can take to make sure they are carrying out this vital activity effectively
Fire safety in housing
This looks at key issues around fire safety in social housing, the legal framework, risk assessments, working with fire, rescue services and residents, and tackling fire-related anti-social behavior
- why is fire safety an issue for housing?
- fire safety in housing: the legal framework and key guidance for housing providers
- carrying out a risk assessment
- working in partnership with fire and rescue services
- working in partnership with tenants, residents, and communities
- tackling fire-related anti-social behavior
- the use of domestic sprinklers
- questions and answers from the CFOA, WMFS and CIH seminars
- glossary of key terms
© 2025 Chartered Institute of Housing
Website built by Prodo Digital