Housing Sector Dictionary
Housing jargon can make things harder to understand. Search for a word, phrase or abbreviation to find a plain-English explanation. Try Section 20, decant or Ombudsman, then select a result to read its definition.
Practical Resources
Useful starting points to request your information, understand new transparency rights and find your local representatives.
Free Template
Subject Access Request
Ask your landlord for a copy of your personal information. Download our editable template, replace the text in square brackets and send your completed request directly to your landlord.
Complete the document on your own device. No personal details are entered on this website.
Word (.docx) or Pages-compatible (.rtf). Both contain the same template.
Read the ICO's SAR guidanceInformation Requests From 1 April 2027
STAIRs
Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements will allow social housing tenants to ask their private registered provider for information about how it manages its social housing.
Publication requirements already apply. Residents can currently request a review if required information is missing from their landlord's publication scheme. Our information request resource is coming on 1 April 2027.
Housing Sector guide coming soon.Search Here
Find Your MP
Enter your full UK postcode to see your MP, constituency and published email address here. You can contact your MP directly or copy them into relevant housing correspondence to keep them informed.
Your postcode is sent to UK Parliament for this search. This tool does not save it.
Local Representation
Find Your Oxford Councillors
Oxford residents can find their local councillors and public contact details using Oxford City Council's postcode finder.
Find Your Oxford CouncillorsOpens in a new tab, keeping Housing Sector open.
Resident Support & Campaign Groups
Find organisations sharing information, supporting residents and campaigning for better housing. Explore their websites to see what they offer and who they can help.
All website links open in a new tab. Support, membership arrangements and geographical coverage vary by organisation.
Tenants, Shared Owners & Leaseholders
SHAC
A campaign bringing tenants and residents together to challenge poor housing conditions, unfair charges and failures in landlord services.
Visit SHAC
Cladding & Building Safety
End Our Cladding Scandal
Resident-led campaigning for safe homes and fair treatment for people affected by unsafe cladding and other building safety defects.
Visit Website
Residents’ Associations
Federation of Private Residents’ Associations
Information and guidance for leaseholders and residents’ associations on block management, governance and property issues. Some support and resources require membership.
Visit Website
Leasehold Information & Support
Leasehold Knowledge Partnership
A leaseholder charity offering information, reporting and support on leasehold problems, service charges and reform.
Visit Website
Leaseholder Campaigning
National Leasehold Campaign
A grassroots campaign bringing leaseholders together to seek reform and the abolition of residential leasehold in England and Wales.
Visit Website
Shared Owners & Homebuyers
Shared Ownership Resources
Independent information, case studies and signposting for shared owners and people considering shared ownership.
Visit Website