Why 2026 Is the Tipping Point for Social Housing Repairs

2026 signals a big year for the social housing sector. As the pressures of delivering a top-performing repairs and maintenance service grow, social housing associations and local authorities will require a fresh approach to tackle these challenges head-on.

Not only do social housing providers have to transform their repairs operations, but they are also going to need to do so quickly without disrupting services.

This year, we believe the following pressures will converge:

1. Regulatory scrutiny will intensify – Particularly around damp and mould, building safety and energy efficiency standards.
2. Demand for repairs is going to continue to rise – This is largely driven by ageing housing stock, climate impacts and growing tenant expectations.
3. Workforce capacity could be stretched further – Planners, schedulers and operatives will be under constant pressure to do more with less.

Note: You can read more about what to expect in 2026 here.

In this article, we explore the hard truths facing social housing providers and explain why having the right technology and software in place can make all the difference.

The reality for social housing providers

Successful housing associations and local authorities must react quickly to alleviate the pressures we have discussed above. In doing so, they need to recognise these three facts. 

• Manual processes don’t scale: As demand increases, reliance on outdated, manual processes creates bottlenecks and errors. Manual scheduling and data re-entry slow response times and frustrate tenants, and this is exacerbated by higher work volumes. Integrated, automated workflows will be required to maintain service quality.
• Reactive repairs models are too expensive: Constantly reacting to repairs work means problems are only ever addressed after the issue has occurred, leading to repeat visits, emergency call-outs and poor first-time fix rates. This results in high costs and service disruption. Proactive, data-led maintenance will reduce downtime and improve tenant satisfaction. 
• Staff burnout is now a service threat: Operatives are facing constant interruptions and unrealistic workloads, which can lead to mistakes, high stress and low morale. Not only does this affect field-based workers and operational efficiency, but it also negatively impacts the tenant experience. Staff welfare should always be a priority.

Fortunately, we have a solution that addresses these risks, so social housing providers can make 2026 a year to remember for all the right reasons. 

Where technology makes the difference

It’s not our intention to scare social housing providers in any way. In fact, we’re confident that if organisations have the right technology in place, they’ll be fully prepared for what lies ahead for the sector.

Forward-thinking housing associations and councils must adopt intelligent repairs platforms to change their operating model. In 2026, the strongest organisations will be those that:

✅ Can evidence compliance instantly.

✅ Can adapt daily plans automatically as conditions change.

✅ Can support staff with technology, not overwhelm them.

Digital transformation in housing repairs is about protecting services, people and tenants in an increasingly demanding environment.

With ROCC, you can ensure 2026 is the year your repairs and maintenance service becomes outstanding. By implementing our market-leading solutions, you can:

• Automate scheduling and optimisation in real time, reducing planner intervention.
• Integrate repairs, compliance, assets and finance into a single operational view.
• Use data and forecasting to prevent issues, not just respond to them.
• Give operatives and managers the tools to focus on exceptions, not administration.

With our support, your organisation can become more efficient and resilient, so you can navigate this crucial year for the sector stress-free. We will deliver the best repairs and maintenance solution for you and your customers.

For more information about our award-winning housing technology solutions, get in touch with a member of our customer support team today.