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The results are the first examples of the commission giving top grades since it took over inspections from the Housing Corporation in April.

Hertfordshire-based William Sutton Trust and St Basil's, a small Birmingham-based association, were both rated "good" in service quality and continuous improvement – the two criteria assessed.

In a report published on 11 November, the commission found the William Sutton Trust, which has 16,000 homes across the country and plans to expand at the end of this year, invests effectively and handles antisocial behaviour well.

However, it made several recommendations for improvement, including reviewing its complaints procedure, ensuring diversity of contractors and consultants, and increased tenant trustee numbers.

William Sutton chief executive Mike Morris said: "We are keen to take on board the areas of improvement identified and are already developing an action plan and work to implement some of the changes suggested."

St Basil's, which provides housing and support services for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, was praised for "being at the forefront of developing approaches to equality and diversity" in a report released on 6 November.

Chief executive Jean Templeton said: "We are pleased that the inspection team found particular merit in our approach to tenant participation, diversity and equalities. We welcome the opportunity to share these approaches as good practice models."

The assessments came just days after the new inspection regime claimed its first scalp – that of Peter Redman, who stood down as chair of Notting Hill Housing Trust after poor inspection results (HT 7 November, page 7).