Why Tailored Codes of Practice Like the ARHM Code Are Essential
As the retirement housing sector continues to evolve, the need for clear, consistent, and tailored standards has never been more critical. The Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM) Code of Practice stands as a cornerstone in promoting best practice across leasehold retirement housing in the UK. More widely, as the sector diversifies and the expectations of residents grow, it’s time to consider how tailored codes of practice can better serve both operators and end users—and be applied more broadly across all living models.
Setting the Standard: The ARHM Code of Practice
Introduced under the Leasehold, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, the ARHM Code of Practice provides a comprehensive framework for managing leasehold retirement properties. It outlines both statutory obligations and best practice requirements, offering clarity and consistency for operators and reassurance for residents.
But the Code is more than a guideline—it’s a benchmark. It can be used as evidence in court or tribunal cases, helping to resolve disputes and uphold service standards. For residents, it provides a transparent view of what they should expect from their housing provider. For operators, it offers a structured approach to service delivery, risk management, and customer engagement.
Why Tailored Codes Matter
The ARHM Code is a strong foundation for the retirement housing sector, where operators manage a wide range of schemes—from independent living to extra care. Each comes with its own operational nuances and resident expectations.
Tailored codes of practice allow for:
Clarity in Customer Engagement: Clear terms of engagement help residents understand their rights and responsibilities, reducing confusion and building trust.
Operational Consistency: Defined standards across different types of schemes ensure that service delivery remains high-quality and compliant.
Support for Staff and Managers: A tailored code provides guidance for frontline teams, helping them navigate complex situations with confidence.
Adaptability to Changing Needs: As the demographic and health profiles of residents shift, codes must evolve to reflect new priorities—such as digital inclusion, mental wellbeing, and safeguarding.
A Call to Action for the Sector
The ARHM Code has already raised the bar for retirement housing management and demonstrated to the wider property management sector that bespoke codes of practice are not only possible—they’re essential.
To truly meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s residents, the leasehold sector must embrace tailored frameworks that reflect the diversity of living models and the complexity of modern housing operations.
Operators, regulators, and industry bodies should collaborate to develop codes that are:
Resident-centric: Focused on dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Operator-friendly: Practical, implementable, and aligned with business realities.
Legally robust: Offering protection and clarity in disputes or regulatory reviews.
Conclusion
The ARHM Code of Practice has proven its value in retirement housing. Now, it’s time for the rest of the leasehold sector to follow suit. By adopting tailored codes of practice, we can build a more transparent, accountable, and resident-focused housing landscape—one that supports operators and empowers residents alike.