What does National supported housing standards mean?

Glossary

National supported housing standards

Also called: NSHS

In one sentence

Standards for the support provided in supported exempt accommodation, set under the 2023 Act and enforced through licensing.

The 2025 consultation proposed standards covering person-centred support, resident empowerment, the living environment, staffing and safeguarding, and meeting local need. The April 2026 response said they would be slightly amended.

Read the full guideLicensing and the national standards

Licensing (supported housing)The council-run licensing regime for supported exempt accommodation planned under the 2023 Act, expected to start in 2027.Needs assessmentAn assessment of a resident's needs, risks and goals, which licensing will require on arrival or within four weeks.

Where it comes up

What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.

National supported housing standards

Related terms

Where it comes up