As a sector responsible for more than two million social homes, we can’t afford to wait for something to go wrong before acting. To make informed decisions, we need a clearer picture of how different types of extreme weather affect homes and neighbourhoods. This means ensuring the places in our care are resilient to both current and future conditions.

The impacts of climate change go beyond finance, even as insurance premiums continue to rise. Extreme heat can make it difficult for people to feel comfortable in their own homes, and in some cases, put their health at risk. Persistent damp affects wellbeing as well as the condition of a property. Storm damage or power outages can leave residents feeling unsettled long after the immediate disruption has passed.

Government attention on this issue is growing. The Warm Homes Plan published last month places a greater emphasis on overheating, recognising that homes must be prepared for a wider range of climate-related risks. It makes clear that adaptation needs to be part of day-to-day decisions about services and investment.

At L&Q, we recognise climate change as a strategic risk. Through a combination of data-led analysis and on-the-ground insight, we’re strengthening how we identify and monitor climate-related threats across our homes. Data is essential, but everyday experience often highlights emerging issues sooner, particularly when problems build slowly or overlap.

Not all adaptation can be delivered through long-term planned works. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, housing providers need to be able to react quickly. This means reviewing policies, updating procedures, and being clearer about what support is available when events occur.

Sharing learning across organisations, including where things have been challenging, is critical. Local authorities are already testing approaches that we can learn from, whether through planning decisions or local resilience initiatives. Expert guidance, such as the NHF’s Flooding Toolkit , also offers useful direction for strengthening climate resilience.

Resident experience should also feed into how adaptation measures are designed and prioritised. Past incidents offer valuable lessons, but so do everyday conversations with residents about what they expect from us and how they see our role. National toolkits, such as FloodReady, can help support these conversations and provide a clearer framework for action.

At the Quality Homes Conference 2026, my session, Adapting Our Homes for a Changing Climate, will explore how housing providers are responding to these increasing threats. The focus will be on understanding what works, recognising constraints, and building confidence in practical decision-making.

As extreme weather becomes more common, the most effective action happens early. Adaptation is not about having all the answers, but about continuously improving how we listen and act. The choices we make now will have a lasting impact on the quality and resilience of homes for generations to come.