The Regulator commissioned the British Deaf Association to get an insight into BSL users’ experiences of accessing social landlords’ services in Scotland. The Regulator also reviewed all social landlords’ websites to assess the provision of BSL content.

Published today, the report sets out the challenges some BSL users experience communicating with their landlords, for example when applying for housing, getting repairs done in their homes and making complaints. The report also gives good practice examples and makes recommendations for improvements.

Helen Shaw, director of regulation, said: “Housing and homelessness services play a crucial role in people’s lives and it is essential that all services users are able to access these services when they need them. We would encourage all social landlords to consider this report and what steps they can take to ensure BSL tenants and service users have equal access to their services. We will also consider the recommendations to inform our own next BSL plan.”

The Regulator carried out the thematic inquiry as part of its BSL plan to promote BSL to the organisations it regulates.