MSB’s Social Housing Highlight – February 2023
Bringing you all the latest updates from the world of Social Housing.
We now have our own LinkedIn page. Please follow us for regular updates and insights in the world of Social Housing and Regeneration.
This month we are also introducing our Wills and Probate Team which is headed by Rob Lee. Recently, Rob provided some helpful questions and answers as to what happens when a tenant passes away.
The latest at MSB
We kicked off the month with Andy Moore and Amy Tagoe delivering our free monthly webinar on Witness Statements in Possession Proceedings.
The team has also been out delivering bespoke training to organisations. If you are interested in arranging training sessions with the team, please contact dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk.
Louise Murphy has been busy this month and has taken part in the Liverpool Law Society Annual Disrepair Conference as well as the Northern Housing Festival round table on Healthy Homes.
It’s safe to say we’ve certainly been out and about this month. Some of the team attended the Pro-Manchester made in Manchester Awards to support our very own Jessica Jones who was nominated for the ‘Sustainability Champion’ award. Some of our junior lawyers got involved in the Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division fundraising event for the cancer charity Maggies. Abigail Eaves also attended the ASB digital conference where various speakers discussed policy changes and shared practical experiences to improve responses to ASB.
We love supporting great causes, so if you have any projects that you would like us to get involved with, please contact thomasstockton@msbsolicitors.co.uk.
We are saying goodbye to one of our trainee solicitors, Jessica Jones who is moving over to do a seat with our commercial team. She will be missed but we know she has a bright future ahead of her.
Our recommended Book Club read this month is ‘Girl, Woman, Other”’ by Bernardine Evaristo. Read the latest newsletter here.
Updates and insight
Louise Murphy summarises what you need to know about the Social Housing Regulation Bill. Read More.
Thomas Stockton discusses a recent case which is going before the court of appeal to consider ADR pre-litigation. Read More.
Rachael Payne explains the importance of getting a NTQ right. Read More.
Louise Murphy shares the findings from the Housing Ombudsman’s follow up report on damp and mould. Read More.
Phil Coburn summarises the recent housing complaint decisions by the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman. Read More.
Housing Law News
Rent Standard
On 16th February 2023, the Regulator of Social Housing wrote to social housing providers regarding the requirements of the 2023 Rent Standard. Click here for the guidance.
Social Housing Regulation Bill
On 9th February 2023, the DLUHC announced that it would amend the bill in order to force social landlords to investigate and fix damp and mould within struct time limits. A consultation will be launched to set the timeframes.
Building Safety (Leaseholder Protections) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2023
The regulations came into force on 9th February 2023 and amend the list of persons who are not to be considered associated with the relevant landlord.
Fire Safety (England) Regulation
On 23rd January 2023 the regulations can into force imposing an additional set of fire safety requirements.
Upcoming events
1st March 2023
Our next free webinar, ‘Succession in Social Housing’ is on 1st March 2023 via Zoom. Please email dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk to book your place. If you want to be added to our mailing list to receive updates on free training and events, please get in touch.
22nd April 2023
Alder Hey Dragon Boat Festival. MSB have entered a team and will be raising money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Case of the month
Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Limited and another v Williams and others UKSC 2021/0059
The Supreme Court dealt with the scope of Section 27A of the landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Andy Moore summarises the impact of the case here.