1  Overview

1.1  Purpose

1.1.1  The Agency wishes to ensure that properties that are developed with the benefit of Grant are managed and maintained in accordance with the Agency's Regulatory Requirements and good practice.

1.1.2  This applies whether the properties are directly managed by the RSL who developed them with Grant, or by other organisations with whom the RSL has contracted for management services. 

1.2  Context

1.2.1  RSLs are responsible for providing efficient and cost effective management in the best interests of tenants, and are accountable for the public funds invested in the scheme. 

1.2.2  RSLs can adopt a variety of management arrangements, including outsourcing the work (commissioning another organisation to provide services on the RSL's behalf, often referred to as "management agency").

1.2.3  Regardless of whether or not the provision of services has been outsourced, ultimate responsibility for effective management of the tenants, leaseholders and the stock  will remain with the RSL that owns the properties.

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1.2.4  RSLs may choose to outsource the provision of management and maintenance services to other organisations for a variety of reasons:

1. delivering the services more efficiently;
2. delivering the services more effectively;
3. delivering the services more sensitively (especially where specialist expertise is needed for the client group);
4. to assist specialist organisations in growing and becoming financially viable.