AHBRA and local authorities: Understanding our respective roles

Approved housing bodies (AHBs) have become an increasingly important part of Ireland’s housing system, providing almost 77,000 homes and playing a central role in delivering social and affordable housing, writes Fergal O’Leary, CEO, Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA).

As the sector has expanded in scale, complexity, and significance, so too has the need for a regulatory framework that promotes good governance, financial resilience, effective tenancy management, and public confidence.

The Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) was established under the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 to develop and oversee that framework. While AHBRA is now an established part of Ireland’s housing landscape, many people across the wider public sector, including those working in local authorities, may be less familiar with our role and how it complements the work of other organisations.

AHBRA’s role is to regulate AHBs and ensure compliance with the Act. This includes maintaining the Register of Approved Housing Bodies, monitoring compliance with the Standards for Approved Housing Bodies, carrying out regulatory assessments, considering notifiable events and concerns, conducting investigations where necessary, and exercising the regulatory powers provided under the Act.

Our regulatory approach is evidence-based and proportionate. We seek to identify risks early, engage with AHBs to support compliance and, where necessary, use our statutory powers to address serious or persistent issues. Our objective is to promote continuous improvement and confidence in a well governed and resilient AHB sector. Since becoming fully operational, AHBRA has completed regulatory assessments covering over 80 per cent of AHB homes, publishing the outcomes to promote transparency, recognise good practice, and identify areas for improvement.

Although AHBRA and local authorities have distinct statutory responsibilities, AHBRA’s regulatory decisions and published assessment outcomes can have implications for both AHBs and local authorities. We are conscious of this and recognise the importance of engaging openly, explaining our role, and building constructive relationships across the housing sector.

More specifically, where AHBRA is considering the cancellation of an AHB’s registration, a local authority may be invited to provide information relevant to that process. Local authorities can also remind AHBs of their obligation to notify AHBRA where a relevant notifiable event arises. Where concerns arise about the governance or operation of an AHB, these may be raised through AHBRA’s concerns process.

As the regulatory framework continues to mature, AHBRA is committed to engaging openly and transparently in the exercise of our statutory functions. We look forward to working with colleagues across the sector to strengthen understanding of AHBRA’s role and support a well-governed, resilient AHB sector.

To learn more about AHBRA or discuss our role, contact us:
E: info@ahbra.ie