27th July 2016
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HOUSING LAW NEWS & POLICY ISSUES

English Housing Survey
On 21 July 2016 the Department for Communities and Local Government published the latest English Housing Survey covering the period 2014-15. The results of the Survey are released in a series of individual reports, the contents of which are summarised below. For details of the English Housing Survey itself, click here

English Housing Survey: Tenure trends
On 21 July 2016 the DCLG published data on the nature and number of tenancies at both the regional and national level. Tables relate to: tenure trends at national and regional levels; cross-tenure comparisons of characteristics of households and their accommodation; overcrowding and under-occupation; and need for specially adapted accommodation. To access the data, click here

English Housing Survey: Home ownership (1)
On 21 July 2016 the Department for Communities and Local Government announced that the latest English Housing Survey shows that the number of people owning their own home has stopped reducing for the first time since 2003. There were 14 million owner occupiers across the country last year. The report also shows that 80% of households that applied were given a mortgage; there was an increase in satisfaction for private renters over the last 10 years; and there was a large decline in the number of private renters living in ‘non-decent’ homes. For the DCLG announcement, click here

English Housing Survey: Home ownership (2)
The average age of first time buyers increased from 30 to 33 over the past 20 years. In 2014-15, the majority of first time buyers were aged 25-34 years (61%), similar to 1994-95. Between 1994-95 and 2014-15, the proportion of first time buyers aged 16-24 years declined from 23% to 10%, while the proportion aged 35-44 years increased from 11% to 20%. The proportion of first time buyers that were single households halved from 29% in 1994-95 to 14% in 2014-15. For the First Time Buyers and Potential Home Owners Report of the English Housing Survey, click here

English Housing Survey: Housing needs of people with disabilities
In 2014-15, 9% of all households in England (around 1.9 million households) had one or more people with a long-term limiting disability that required adaptations to their home. This has not changed since 2011-12 when these questions were last asked in the English Housing Survey. In 2014-15, 81% of households that required adaptations in their home, due to their long-term limiting disability, felt their home was suitable for their needs. The 19% (around 365,000 households) who considered their living accommodation unsuitable accounted for 2% of all households in England. To read the Adaptations and Accessibility Report of the English Housing Survey, click here

English Housing Survey: Housing for older people
In 2014-15, 76% of older households were owner occupiers compared with 53% of younger households. Some 62% of older households owned outright compared to 9% of younger households. 38% of older households lived in detached homes or bungalows compared to 16% of younger households. 23% of older households lived in terraced houses and 15% in flats compared to 34% and 24% of younger households. The proportions who lived in semi-detached houses did not vary by age. To read the Housing for Older People Report of the English Housing Survey, click here

English Housing Survey: Private renting
In 2014-15, 19% of all households were private renters. This equates to 4.3 million households. The sector increased from 11% to 18% between 2004-05 and 2012-13 and then to 19% in 2014-15. Between 1994-95 and 2004-05 the sector saw a much smaller increase, from 10% to 11%. In 2014-15, 70% of private renters were aged under 45, compared with 25% of owner occupiers and 36% of social renters. In 2014-15, two thirds (65%) of private renters were satisfied with their current tenure. This compares to 98% of owner occupiers and 82% of social renters. Although lower than the other sectors, satisfaction with tenure has increased among private renters since 2004-05, when 48% of private renters were satisfied. To read the Private Rented Sector Report of the English Housing Survey, click here

English Housing Survey: Housing stock

In 2014-15, the majority of homes were owner occupied (63%), 20% were private rented and 7% and 10% respectively were local authority and housing association stock. Houses predominated the stock (42% of dwellings were semi-detached or detached houses, 29% terraced houses, 9% bungalows). Purpose-built and converted flats accounted for 16% and 4% of the stock respectively. Homes in England were mostly located in suburban areas (61%), 22% were in city or urban centres and 18% were in rural areas. To read the Housing Stock Report of the English Housing Survey, click here

English Housing Survey: Smoke alarms

While 93% of households in England had at least one smoke alarm, 7% or around 1.5 million households did not have a single smoke alarm in 2014-15. Compared with owner occupiers, social renters (both local authority and housing association renters) were significantly more likely to have a smoke alarm. Private renters were also more likely to have smoke alarms. To read the Smoke Alarms in English Homes Report of the English Housing Survey, click here

English Housing Survey: Social rented sector
There was an increase in the proportion of social renters ages 35-54 between 1994-95 and 2014-15, from 26% to 38%. Over the same period, the proportion of households with an HRP (ie householder in whose name the accommodation is rented) aged under 35 fell from 24% to 19%, and the proportion aged 65 or more dropped from 38% to 29%. The overall proportion of lone parent families in the social rented sector increased from 18% in 1994-95 to 23% in 2014-15. To read the Social Rented Sector Report of the English Housing Survey (this information is in Chapter 1), click here

English Housing Survey: Social rented sector and Housing Benefit
In 2008-09, 64% of social renting households had their rent entirely covered by their Housing Benefit. However, by 2014-15 this had decreased to 54%. The proportion for whom the Housing Benefit only covered some of the rent therefore increased from 34% in 2008-09 to 44% in 2014-15. 91% of households with an unemployed HRP (see above), lone parents with dependent children (83%) and households containing someone with a long-term limiting illness (76%), were in receipt of Housing Benefit. After deduction of Housing Benefit from rent due, these households paid on average towards their rent: £9 for households with an unemployed HRP, £20 for lone parents with dependent children and £14 for households containing someone with a long-term limiting illness. To read the Social Rented Sector Report of the English Housing Survey (this information is in Chapter 2), click here

English Housing Survey: Social rented sector and rent arrears
Lone parents with dependent children were more likely than other types of household to be in arrears (24%) or have been so in the previous 12 months (27%). Single person households and couples without children were least likely. Households with an unemployed HRP (see above) were more likely to be or have been in arrears at some point in the previous 12 months (27% and 29% respectively). Households with a retired HRP were least likely. Of those who did not have their rent paid by Housing Benefit, 14% (364,000 households) were in arrears. A further 348,000 households had fallen behind with their rent payments at some point during the previous 12 months. This had changed little since 2011-12. The main reasons given for rent arrears were due to other debts or responsibilities (27%), reduction in or delays with benefit (22%), and unemployment (21%). To read the Social Rented Sector Report of the English Housing Survey (this information is in Chapter 2), click here

English Housing Survey: Social rented sector and overcrowding
There are indications that the proportion of social sector households living in homes with the appropriate number of bedrooms increased between 2008-09 and 2014-15, up from 52% to 56%. The proportion of social renters who were ‘under-occupying’ their home fell from 11% to 9%. The proportion of social renters living in overcrowded homes declined from a peak of 7% in 2010-11, and has been 6% since 2012-13. This was driven by the decrease in housing association sector from 6% in 2010-11 to 5% in 2014-15. Overcrowding in local authority homes remained constant over this time, and was at 8% in 2014-15. To read the Social Rented Sector Report of the English Housing Survey (this information is in Chapter 3), click here

English Housing Survey: Social rented sector and house moves
For households moving in the last three years, 43% did so to find more suitable accommodation, 27% for family or personal reasons and 17% wanted to live in a better neighbourhood. Only 3% had moved for job related reasons. For households considering moving, 16% was because they wanted larger accommodation, 14% to move to a better neighbourhood and 13% to have nicer accommodation. Just 3% cited moving to take up a new job or to be in an area with more work. To read the Social Rented Sector Report of the English Housing Survey (this information is in Chapter 4), click here

Housing Benefit
On 25 July 2016 the Department for Work and Pensions issued an adjudication circular concerning the Housing Benefit and State Pension Credit (Temporary Absence) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 These regulations make amendments to the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 and the Housing Benefit (Persons who have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations 2006 to introduce new provisions which relate specifically to absences outside of Great Britain The changes will come in to force on 28 July 2016. For amendment regulations, click here For the circular, click here

Right to Buy
On 21 July 2016 the House of Commons Library published a research briefing explaining proposals to extend the Right to Buy to assured tenants of housing associations on a voluntary basis. No implementation date has been announced although a pilot scheme with five associations is underway. For the research briefing, click here

Supported housing
On 19 July 2016 the House of Commons Library published a briefing paper explaining the impact of the Government's policy of requiring rent reductions, and also the application of Local Housing Allowance caps, on the supported housing sector. The sector has argued that the measures threaten its viability. A one-year delay in implementation, pending the outcome of an evidence review, has been secured. For the research briefing, click here

Home ownership
On 25 July 2016 My Home Move revealed findings from a survey of 1,000 UK residents aged 55 and over. 58% have no intention of downsizing. For those that would consider downsizing (25%) the lack of suitable properties and the costs involved in moving, including stamp duty, represent barriers to them moving. Over half (52%) of would-be downsizers want a property that is easier to manage, while 21% want to release equity. For further details, click here

Licensing schemes
Ealing Council will introduce two new licensing schemes in 2017 to help improve standards in the borough’s private rented sector. It will be a legal requirement for landlords to obtain a licence to operate any house in multiple occupation (HMO) anywhere in Ealing, or to let a home in five selected wards of the borough. Following a public consultation earlier this year, the new additional and selective licensing schemes will both come into force for a five-year period from 1 January 2017. For more details of the schemes, click here

Housing legislation
On 21 July 2016 the Association of Retained Council Housing reported that, at a recent regional event held by the Association, officials at the DCLG had indicated that  publication of the Higher Value and Pay to Stay Regulations are likely to be delayed. The officials asked for any evidence from local authorities of difficulties in implementation by the April 2017 deadline together with evidence of implementation costs and forecasts of additional rental income expected as a result of the agreed income thresholds and tapers. For more details, click here

Housing and people with disabilities

On 20 July 2016 the Equality and Human Rights Commission announced that over the course of the next year it would undertake a major inquiry to examine issues related to disabled people and housing. The announcement was made to coincide with the publication of the Commission’s response to a recent report by the House of Lords Equality Act 2010 and Disability Select Committee. For the announcement, click here For the Committee’s original report from March 2016, click here For the Commission’s response to the report, click here

Private renting
On 25 July 2016 the Taxpayers’ Alliance published a report claiming that the 3% stamp duty additional homes surcharge will help prospective buyers but will hurt tenants in rented accommodation; the restriction of finance cost relief for individual landlords will advantage prospective buyers at the expense of tenants; and both policies will distort housing markets. For the report, click here

HOUSING LAWS IN THE PIPELINE

Renters’ Rights Bill
This is a Private Members’ Bill introduced in the House of Lords by Baroness Grender which seeks to provide tenants and prospective tenants with certain rights, including affording access to a local housing authority’s database of rogue landlords, ending certain letting fees and providing for certain mandatory electrical safety checks. The Bill had its Second Reading on 10 June 2016 and will enter the Committee stage on a date to be announced. For the Bill as introduced, click here To read debates at all stages of the Bill’s passage, click here For progress of the Bill, click here

Crown Tenancies Bill

This is a Private Members’ Bill introduced in the House of Commons by Wendy Morton which seeks to provide that ​Crown tenancies may be assured tenancies for the purposes of the Housing Act 1988, subject to certain exceptions; to modify the assured tenancies regime in relation to certain Crown tenancies; and for connected purposes. The Bill is being prepared for publication and is due to have its Second Reading on 16 December 2016. For progress of the Bill, click here

Homelessness Reduction Bill

This is a Private Members’ Bill introduced in the House of Commons by Bob Blackman which seeks to amend the Housing Act 1996 to make provision about measures for reducing homelessness; and for connected purposes. The Bill is being prepared for publication and is due to have its Second Reading on 28 October 2016. For progress of the Bill, click here

Housing (Tenants' Rights) Bill
This is a Private Members’ Bill introduced by Caroline Lucas which seeks to establish a Living Rent Commission to conduct research into, and provide proposals for, reducing rent levels in the private rented sector and improving terms and conditions for tenants; to require the Secretary of State to report the recommendations of the Commission to Parliament; to introduce measures to promote long-term tenancies; to establish a mandatory national register of ​landlords and lettings agents; to prohibit the charging of letting or management agent fees to tenants; and for connected purposes. The Bill is being prepared for publication and is due to have its Second Reading on 20 January 2017. For progress of the Bill, click here

NEW HOUSING CASES

Leeds City Council v Stephen Broadley [2016] EWHC 1839 (Admin)
Mr Broadley (“the Landlord”) owned a number of properties which he let to tenants under assured shorthold tenancies. When the tenants left the properties after a period of time, Leeds City Council (“the Council”), having been notified of the departures, stopped regarding the tenants as being liable for Council tax. The issue in dispute was whether in the circumstances the landlord was responsible for the Council tax charge in relation to the properties.  The Landlord asserted that the tenancies continued until the tenancy was terminated pursuant to the termination procedure set out in clause 3 of the tenancy agreements, or, if later, the date when the property was re-let so that in the intervening period there remained, a material interest inferior to his and he was therefore not "the owner" during that period.

The question depended on construction of clause 3 of the tenancy agreements (reproduced at [para 3] of the judgment. Liability to pay Council tax falls to be determined by section 6 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 ("the 1992 Act"), the relevant provisions of which are set out in para [4] of the judgment.

Mr Justice Edis heard the appeal and considered that the question of who was liable for the Council tax depended on whether the tenancy agreements created a leasehold interest for a term of six months or more.  The Landlord asserted that the agreements “created a single tenancy whose term was 6 months and thereafter continuing as a monthly tenancy” which His Lordship considered, “would have the same effect as a fixed term assured shorthold tenancy, but would be the result of the contract rather than the effect of statute at the conclusion of the fixed term”. The Council contended that a single tenancy could not be both a fixed term and a periodic tenancy” because that would “offend the principle of uncertainty.”

Mr Justice Edis analysed the wording of the tenancy agreements and the case law relating to the principle of uncertainty, including Mexfield Housing Co-Operative Ltd. v. Berrisford[2011] UKSC 52.  His Lordship decided that the wording of the tenancy agreements did not offend against the rule of uncertainty.  They created a term which was, “neither simply a fixed term nor a periodic tenancy, nor one followed by the other. It is a term which has the characteristics of a fixed term followed by a periodic tenancy.” His Lordship confirmed that fixed terms and periodic tenancies were both capable of being created under the Law of Property Act 1925 and were not void for uncertainty at common law. His Lordship did not consider that the tenancy agreement term was uncertain. It comprised two successive periods of time each of which was sufficiently certain. Accordingly, he dismissed the Council’s appeal. For the full judgment click here.

DB UK Bank Ltd (t/a DB Mortgages) v Jacobs Solicitors [2016] EWHC 1614 Ch
(At the time of going to press, the full text of this recent Chancery Division judgment was not available).  The case concerns the important issue of whether it is open to a party to accept an earlier offer to settle litigation when it has made a counter-offer. Andrew Hockhauser QC sitting as a deputy High Court judge ruled that once the claimant’s Part 36 CPR 1998 offer was made the defendant’s earlier without prejudice offer was no longer available to be accepted. For the ICLR’S detailed summary click here

Civil Injunctions obtained against Two Men and a Youth
Housing Association, Salix Homes reports securing injunctions under the Anti-Social Behaviour and Policing Act 2014 against two men and a 17 year old youth.  Manchester County Court ordered that the first man be excluded from an address in Salford for 12 months and prohibited from using or threatening to use violence to one of the Association’s tenants or any other person with a right to visit a named address in the area. The second man was made subject to an order prohibiting him from threatening to use or using violence against any Salix Homes employees or residents in the area.  The youth was dealt with by Greater Manchester Magistrates Court and required him not to enter a designated zone for a period of 12 months. For the report click here.

Substantial Fines for three Oxford landlords
Oxford County Council report that three Oxford landlords have been fined a total of £11,000 at Oxford Magistrates’ Court. The offences related to breaches of HMO licensing and management regulations. In addition to the substantial fines, each of the landlords was ordered to pay surcharges and substantial sums towards the Council’s costs. For the report click here.

Prosecution for Unregistered Gas fitter and for the company who contracted him
A gas fitter who was not registered with Gas Safe undertook a gas boiler installation at a home in Torquay but did not provide the owner with the required paperwork nor was the boiler registered with the Local Authority.  A Gas Safe Register Inspector found “significant failings in the work” and classed the boiler as being “at risk.”  The unregistered gas fitter who pleaded guilty to breaches of gas safety regulations was sentenced to an 8 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, was ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay over £4,000 in costs. The company which had contracted him to undertake the work pleaded guilty to a single breach of gas safety regulations and was fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £640 in costs at Exeter Crown Court. For the Health & Safety Executive’s news report click here.

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HOUSING LAW CONSULTATIONS
Law Commission reform programme
The Law Commission has opened the consultation for its 13th Programme of law reform. The responses received will inform the majority of the Law Commission’s work from 2017 to 2020. The Commission is asking for the public’s help to identify areas of the substantive law of England and Wales that need reform, and to prioritise those reforms. It is also suggesting some potential projects that could form part of its Programme, and it would like to have views on these. Within these proposals is a suggestion that there might be areas of residential, commercial or agricultural landlord and tenant law which impose unnecessary restrictions, inefficiencies or costs. For more information about the Programme, including the criteria for project selection, click here For more details of the proposal concerning leasehold law, click here The consultation closes on 31 October 2016.
HOUSING LAW ARTICLES & PUBLICATIONS

Theresa May is right to highlight families’ struggle with housing costs – but rent is the worry, not mortgages Sara Mahmoud [2016] Shelter Blog 20 July. To read this article, click here

Learning the lessons on how to avoid rising repossessions
Kate Webb [2016] Shelter Blog 21 July. To read this article, click here

Shifting focus onto affordable housing could prevent construction slump Terrie Alafat [2016] Chartered Institute of Housing 22 July 2016. To read this article, click here

To clear up Cameron's housing mess, here's your to-do list, Gavin Barwell
Dawn Foster [2016] Guardian 22 July. To read this article, click here

Private rental sector is the 'new home of poverty' in the UK Brian Robson [2016] Guardian 20 July. To read this article, click here

Housing benefit: update 2016 Bethan Harris, Desmond Rutledge and Kevin Gannon [2016] Legal Action Available in print and on-line for Legal Action subscribers. For the latest issue, click here

Recent Developments in Housing Law
Jan Luba QC & Nic Madge [2016] July issue of Legal Action. Available in print and on-line for Legal Action subscribers. For the latest issue, click here For back-issues, click here

Facing the Facts [R (on the application of Hoyte) v London Borough of Southwark [2016] EWHC 1665 [Admin][2016] Nearly Legal 25 July. To read this article, click here
RECRUITMENT

Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K)

Tenancy Support Officer

Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K) is a Westminster based charity providing information, advice, support and advocacy on welfare benefits and housing issues to low-income households in London.

Next Door is a project that aims to reduce homelessness by providing access to the private rented sector for the homeless or insecurely housed who are not entitled to statutory help. It has operated successfully for 4 years and has now developed to include support to hostel accommodation for homeless adults under 35 years of age.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with our experienced Housing Liaison Coordinator, who developed this project from scratch, and to help some of the most deprived people in London, the young single homeless, get off the streets, improve their lives and learn important life skills.

Salary:            Up to £26,000 depending on experience
Hours:            Full time, 35 hrs per week
Holidays:        28 days including bank holidays pro rata
Term:              15 months, extendable depending on funding
Location:        Queen’s Park, Westminster

Overall Responsibilities:
To provide tenancy and life skills support by working one-to-one with the young homeless in small (3 or 4 person) hostels set up by a partner organisation, Humanity Homes, and to work with landlords and prospective tenants to move them on into their own secure private rented accommodation.

For further details of the job and for the application procedure click here

The post is subject to a standard DBS disclosure.

All applicants will be notified after all applications have been received.

Closing Date: Midnight 31st July 2016
Interview Dates: 4th or 5th August

 
 

Zacchaeus 2000 Trust (Z2K)

Volunteering Opportunities

To view Z2K volunteering opportunities please click here  

 
 

Eastbourne Borough Council

Specialist Advisor (Housing Options and Homelessness)

£22,006 - £29,854

Working in the Specialist Advisory Team you will provide high quality specialist advice to households with a housing or housing related problem, with the aims of preventing homelessness from occurring or to alleviate housing need.

You will be dealing with complex or difficult cases, advocating on behalf of such households where appropriate, fulfilling the Council’s statutory duties to those threatened with homelessness and providing applicants with written notification of the Council’s decision and reasons behind it.

You will also collaborate on projects, service policy and strategy and support and mentor those delivering the service across the council.

You will have a proven track record of experience in housing and homelessness, knowledge of current homelessness and allocations legislation, security of tenure, landlord and tenant issues and housing related welfare benefits.

With good communication skills, you will be proactive and have a strong commitment to the provision of excellent customer service.

For further details, a job pack and the online application link click here

Closing date:  17.00, 2 August 2016

 
 

Homes for Haringey

Homes for Haringey is an Arm’s-Length Management Organisation (ALMO) of the London Borough of Haringey.

Housing Solutions Manager

  • Permanent
  • Grade: PO5
  • Salary: £40,620 - £43,380 per annum
  • 36 hours per week

We are looking for a dynamic and credible individual to join the Housing Demand Directorate. A creative and motivational leader, you will be articulate, organised, and a strategic thinker, able to motivate staff to work well under pressure delivering first class homeless prevention and assessment services. This is a key role within the directorate and necessitates close working with other managers both within the department and across the organisation to meet the needs of vulnerable people and Haringey’s objectives.  The ability to identify opportunities and risks to the service, as well as to develop plans to harness and address these and fully utilise other teams and staff is critical to this role.

You will be responsible for:

  • Providing an effective and responsive homeless prevention and assessment service; ensuring outstanding customer service and service delivery standards are achieved and providing a critical source of support for local people.
  • Working with partners to maximise the delivery of housing services and ensure best value from available resources.
  • Playing a key role in the management of the Housing Needs Service, the Housing Demand Directorate and the company as a whole, contributing to the directorate’s work and its corporate role within Homes for Haringey.

Closing date: Sunday, 7th August 2016

For further details, the job description and how to apply click here

 
 

Homes for Haringey

Reviews Manager

  • Permanent
  • Grade: PO4
  • Salary: £37,851 - £40,620 per annum
  • 36 hours per week

We are seeking a confident, knowledgeable and organised individual to join the Housing Demand directorate to manage our reviews service. You will need to be experienced in undertaking reviews, working in homelessness or housing and have a good working knowledge of issues and challenges relating to the area, as well as a detailed understanding of case law and legislation relating to homelessness and suitability reviews under s202.

An excellent communicator and networker, you will be able to assimilate and assess information on the go and negotiate effectively with stakeholders to meet the organisation’s needs. Leading a small team and delivering a function which touches on the whole department, you will be articulate, able to think strategically and to motivate staff to deliver to tight deadlines and in pressured situations.  This is a key role within the directorate and necessitates close working with other managers both within the department and externally. The ability to see the big picture, to identify opportunities and risks to the service, and to develop plans to harness and address these is critical to this role.

You will be responsible for:

  • Managing and delivering a comprehensive reviews service which provides accurate and in depth reviews of decisions around suitability of accommodation, homelessness, and any other related areas as designated. 
  • Providing detailed advice, support and training to staff across the directorate on case law, legislation, and best practise relating to this area of the service.
  • Playing a full role in the management of the Housing Demand Directorate and the company as a whole, contributing to the directorate’s work and its corporate role within Homes for Haringey.

Closing date: Sunday, 7th August 2016

For further details, the job description and how to apply click here

 
 

Homes for Haringey

Move-On Manager

  • Permanent
  • Grade: PO5
  • Salary: £40,620 - £43,380 per annum
  • 36 hours per week

This newly created role is instrumental for Haringey in seeking to return our use of Temporary Accommodation to short term placements. We are seeking a well organised and committed individual to join the Housing Demand Directorate to lead this important work. A dynamic and knowledgeable leader, you will be articulate, organised, and a strategic thinker, able to motivate staff to work well under pressure and set up and deliver a new service which reduces homelessness and builds stability and choice for our residents.  This is a key role within the directorate and necessitates close working with other managers both within the department and externally to meet Haringey’s objectives in reducing the costs and long term use of temporary accommodation. The ability to see the big picture, to identify opportunities and risks to the service, and to develop plans to harness and address these is critical to this role.

You will be responsible for:

  • Leading the team to work with households living in temporary accommodation to make positive, timely moves into settled accommodation.
  • Managing the support fund budget, maximising outcomes and moves to independent accommodation through its effective use. 
  • Delivering a housing management service to temporary accommodation residents living in stock managed by Homes for Haringey
  • Playing a key role in the management of the Housing Needs Service, the Housing Demand Directorate and the company as a whole, contributing to the directorate’s work and its corporate role within Homes for Haringey.

Closing date: Sunday, 7th August 2016

For further details, the job description and how to apply click here

 
 

Homes for Haringey

Assessment & Referral Manager

  • Permanent
  • Grade: PO4
  • Salary: £37,851 - £40,620 per annum
  • 36 hours per week

Do you have the innovation, drive and expertise to create a top performing team? We are looking for an experienced manager to join this key team in our newly restructured service.

In this role you will manage a team responsible for the administration of the housing register and for the assessment of referrals into all forms of Housing Related Support funded accommodation.  Working in partnership with colleagues in agencies such as Probation, the Police, and the NHS, we try to ensure that homelessness is prevented by supporting managed moves for vulnerable Applicants via the Housing Pathway.

You will be a strong manager who can lead and coach a team to achieve optimal performance.  You will have an in-depth knowledge of the legislation relating to Part VI and Part VII of the Housing Act and will use this to ensure that the Housing Register is administered in a way that complies with legislation and supports our commitment to prevent homelessness wherever possible. 

You will also be politically astute and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
You will be responsible for:

  • Leading the team to provide a critical source of support for local people seeking help with their housing needs.
  • Working with a range of partners to maximise availability and access to supported housing and other housing options, making sure that available resources are used effectively.
  • Playing a full role in the management of the Housing Demand Directorate and the company as a whole, contributing to the directorate’s work and its corporate role within Homes for Haringey.

Closing date: Sunday, 7th August 2016

For further details, the job description and how to apply click here

 
 

Homes for Haringey

Acquisitions Manager

  • Permanent
  • Grade: PO4
  • Salary: £37,851 - £40,620 per annum
  • 36 hours per week

This newly created role is instrumental for Haringey in helping our residents find affordable, good quality homes in the private sector. We are seeking an articulate, organised individual to join the Housing Demand Directorate to lead this important work. Dynamic, and with good first hand knowledgeable of lettings negotiations and the rentals market, you will be confident and a ‘people person’ who is able to motivate staff, with the drive to set up and deliver a new service which reduces homelessness and builds stability and choice for our residents.  This is a key role within the directorate and necessitates close working with other managers both within the department and externally to meet Haringey’s objectives in reducing the costs and long term use of temporary accommodation. The ability to see the big picture, to identify opportunities and risks to the service, and to develop plans to harness and address these is critical to this role.

You will be responsible for:

  • Managing the Acquisitions Team to procure good quality accommodation across tenures and products, to meet planned and unplanned needs. 
  • Ensuring all acquisitions activity is carried out in line with Haringey’s procurement arrangements and adheres to value for money principles.
  • Playing a full role in the management of the Housing Demand Directorate and the company as a whole, contributing to the directorate’s work and its corporate role within Homes for Haringey.

Closing date: Sunday, 7th August 2016

For further details, the job description and how to apply click here

 
 

Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors

Housing Management Solicitor

Have the best of both worlds: work in-house with the full support and supervision of a UK 100 law firm.

This is an exciting opportunity in our Housing Management team working in partnership with one of our key housing association clients. The successful candidate will be seconded to our client’s offices in Ealing.

This represents a key appointment for us and our client with fantastic prospects, acting as a direct link between our HM team and our client. You will be the go-to legal adviser for our client’s housing officers and as a result will need to demonstrate:

  • the ability to make the complex understandable
  • a genuine desire to face exciting challenges
  • flexibility and pragmatism
  • enthusiasm and self-motivation
  • ability to manage urgent and competing deadlines
The role will be fully supported by lawyers in our London Bridge office and all the resources that provides. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys the in-house feel whilst at the same time receiving supervision and training from the wider team based at our London Bridge offices. Our client wishes to establish an in house legal team at its offices and therefore there are opportunities to expand the team and share its direction from the outset. The ability to impress the client’s senior management is vital.

Description of duties

The successful candidate will have experience of and be able to:
-  manage and deliver legal work for all housing and some leasehold management issues on a day to day basis
-  draft legal proceedings as instructed and carry out own advocacy
-  help with the preparation and review of housing management policies and procedures
-  undertake negotiations between parties to ensure the interests of the client are protected both financially and commercially
-  represent our client in court, at hearings, at meetings and in correspondence with legal advisers and others
- provide advice and guidance to our client’s staff, including on the interpretation of legal documents, to enable them to make balanced decisions and, where necessary, advise on key policy issues to the client’s senior level management.
- assist, support and train our client’s staff in respect of changes in the law; this may include drafting e-bulletins and providing training to progress our client’s knowledge and skills.

For details and a link to the online application click here
 
 
Solicitor/Experienced Paralegal

Burke Niazi Solicitors

Burke Niazi Solicitors is seeking to recruit a newly qualified solicitor/experienced paralegal to join their Housing department at the South London office in Catford.

Other property experience is an advantage.

Salary according to experience.

Apply with covering letter and CV to harrietkaiser@burkeniazi.com

Closing date: 3rd August 2016.

No agencies.

Website – www.burkeniazi.com
 
 

Housing Management Team Leader

Berneslai Homes

Salary:  £33,106 to £36,019
Working Arrangements: Full Time
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week                                                                
Status of Employment:  Permanent

Closing Date: 29 July 2016 at 11.59 pm

Join us and you will manage a team of Housing Management Officers, ensuring that they deliver the most proactive, reassuring, practical and visible service to our customers. Combining key elements of housing and environmental management with community building and safety, you’ll pull out all the stops to beat KPI targets by developing new, continuously improving, ways of working.  

You’ll need to be an inspirational leader with a wealth of experience in social housing, not to mention a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Housing or relevantly qualified equivalent to NVQ level 5.  

Interviews will take place w/c 8 August 2016  

Job Description and Employee Specification: Housing Management Team Leader JD and ES.pdf

 
 

Housing Solicitor (SCP 33-36)

Citizens Advice Walsall  

Registered charity no:  1067723

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice

£28,746 (starting salary) to £30,978 pa - plus 6% pension supplement

Full-time: 36 hours per week

We have a contract with the Legal aid Agency to deliver housing advice across Walsall and Sandwell and to run a Court Duty Scheme at Walsall County Court.

You must have:

A minimum of three years’ experience of housing litigation, including representation in court on behalf of people at risk of homelessness and people in housing need. You will be an authorised litigator and meet the criteria to be a housing supervisor.

The candidate will be expected to travel and deliver services from Citizens Advice Walsall and Citizens Advice Sandwell.

You will have substantial experience of handling a wide range of housing cases (public and private sector) on issues such as homelessness, security of tenure, possession proceedings, disrepair and anti-social behaviour.

You will understand and be committed to the aims and principles of the of the Citizens Advice service.

Closing date: 12.00 midday, Thursday 4th August 2016

Interviews will be held on: Monday 8th August 2016
For an application pack please contact phone the administration team on 01922 700600 or email office@cab.walsall.org.uk. with your full name and contact details for electronic format.

Citizens Advice Walsall is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all applicants who meet the person specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

 
 

Housing Solicitor Vacancy

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP: A Leading Firm of Solicitors Based in Euston, London NW1

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a solicitor (0 - 4 years PQE) to join our award winning, dedicated and dynamic social housing team.  To be successful in this role it is essential that you have good experience and working knowledge of social housing law.

You will be expected to be competent in litigation with excellent client care skills.  In addition, you will have excellent communication and written skills, be a good team player, be able to manage a varied caseload and work well under pressure. 

Ideally the successful candidate is likely to have previous experience and good knowledge of legal aid funding in the context of social housing law. Experience with property litigation would be desirable.

The firm offers a competitive salary & benefits, as well as excellent career prospects, broad training, first-class IT facilities and comprehensive administrative support.
Please apply by sending a covering letter and CV to Emma Antoniades at the following email address eantoniades@hja.net

Closing date for applications: 27 July 2016

 
 

Henry Hyams

Housing Lawyer - Full or Part-Time

We are seeking a Housing Lawyer with at least 3 years’ relevant experience (preferably to meet legal aid supervisor requirements) to work with a small but dedicated team on predominantly publicly funded cases.

We have contracts with the LAA to provide Legal Help matter starts in housing from both our main and branch offices in Leeds City Centre. We are one of three organisations providing representation under the Housing Duty Solicitor Scheme at a very busy Leeds County Court.

Much of our work is court based and the successful candidate will be a confident advocate able to deal with a mixed housing law caseload including possession claims, homelessness, disrepair, anti-social behaviour, unlawful eviction and judicial review. The position would suit either a solicitor or experienced caseworker preferably with knowledge of legal aid funding and CCMS.

In return we offer a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience. We are committed to publicly funded work and foster a caring and compassionate ethos in which to work. Please apply with your CV and covering letter to Caroline Clarke c.clarke@henryhyams.com stating your salary expectations

 
 

Foundation

Principal Managing Solicitor

Foundation is a registered charity delivering housing support and complementary services to meet the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families and those at risk of social exclusion across the north of England. 

The post holder will:

- have line management responsibility for casework undertaken by solicitors and case workers / paralegals employed by Foundation. 
- carry a workload mainly consisting of Legal Aid certificated cases;
- work with existing solicitors to provide a seamless service from legal help advice though to court representation; and judicial review through to appeals, where necessary.
- work with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) caseworkers and Paralegals to ensure the high quality of referrals to the solicitors from Legal Help casework and Housing Possession Court Duty Schemes.

This role will involve regular travel throughout North and West Yorkshire and some national travel.

If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact, Jackqueline Hauxwell, Head of Services-Legal on (01274) 211013.

Please note that Foundation does not accept CVs. If you wish to apply you will need to visit the website http://www.foundationuk.org/jobs.html and download an application pack for this role.

 
 

Sheffield City Council

1 x Senior Private Rented Standards Officer (Permanent)
Grade 7 £28,203 - £32,164
Closing Date:Noon on 17 August 2016

1 x Private Rented Standards Officer (Temporary for 12 months)
Grade 6 (£23,935 - £28,203) pa
Closing Date:  Noon on 11 August 2016

37 hours per week
Based in Moorfoot Building Sheffield

Are you an experienced private sector housing officer?  Have you just completed your Environmental Health degree?…then read on. 
Sheffield has around 35,000 privately rented homes.  The sector has doubled in the past 10 years – and that growth is set to continue.   The Council is the regulatory authority to advise and enforce on property conditions and management in those homes. 
We are embarking on some exciting and challenging new work areas to track down and enforce some pockets of poor housing. We are very ambitious in the expectations we have on existing and future private landlords in the city. 

“Our driving ambition is that the Council becomes a leading authority in new initiatives to manage the sector.  We are absolutely committed to this work, so that people will choose, promote and be confident in Sheffield's private rented sector.
Could you help us to achieve our ambitions?
We have some great opportunities to work in this dynamic and forward thinking service.  We’re looking for people with drive and enthusiasm to join our well established knowledgeable and experienced team.  This is a specialist service so we would welcome people who have the skills and experience to promote and enforce HHSRS, Mandatory and Discretionary licensing schemes and Houses in Multiple Occupation.

•           You will have experience and knowledge of working in the private rented sector, but know that having a positive mind-set is just as important
•           You will be able to understand and enforce the regulatory requirements of private landlords – but you will be equally comfortable building and maintaining positive working relationships with them
•           You will enjoy contributing to team work, but will be keen to take responsibility and be accountable for your own case load

For informal enquiries please contact Peter Ramsay on 0114 2734680 or see our webpages www.sheffield.gov.uk/phs

For further details and a downloadable application form re. the Senior Private Rented Standards Officer (Permanent) vacancy click here

For further details and a downloadable application form re. the Private Rented Standards Officer (Temp for 12 months) vacancy click here

We are committed to fairness and social justice and welcome applications from everyone. We value our diverse workforce and aim to work together to make the most of our differences. Under the Two Ticks Scheme, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

To view the details and to download an application form at www.sheffield.gov.uk/jobs  or email hrconnectops@capita.co.uk to request an application form. 

 
 
Lime Legal Limited, Greengate House, 87 Pickwick Road, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9B