Advanced Housing Advice Skills
A three day residential course fully revised to provide up to date developments in the more complex legal issues surrounding student misbehaviour, the role of the Local Authority, Noise, Smoking and Drugs, and Harassment and Unlawful Eviction.
Synopsis / Speakers
This popular three day course has been fully revised and updated to include new areas of use of disciplinary procedures, deposit protection, the housing health and safety ratings system, the use of approved codes of practice and some additional information has been added on anti social behaviour and harassment.
The core of the course, which assumes an existing knowledge of housing rights (and does not duplicate the information provided in the earlier Essential Housing Advice module) looks at the complex legal issues as they affect contractual enforcement and the powers held by educational establishments and the Local Authority. Several specialist sessions are included of particular relevance to those working in student housing.
The course covers all of these issues in the context of both educational establishments and private sector housing suppliers.
New issues that have arisen recently relate to:
- Is it legitimate to deduct an estimated charge from a deposit in order to return the remainder quickly?
- Can hoax fire alarms be dealt with as a contractual issue?
- What is a quiet room or non smoking room and are these requirements enforceable or legitimate?
- Does sex discrimination apply to student accommodation?
The course is suitable for those supplying, managing or advising students about their housing and the format of this three day event allows for wide delegate participation and involvement, including asking questions and following through particular issues of interest. Active participation is encouraged and a large proportion of the course looks a specific examples of issues that have actually arisen to add meat to the legal framework that informs how to approach them.
Day One - deals with fair and unfair contracts and the uses of student discipline
Day Two – examines health and safety in student housing and how to enforce existing legislation, including public health, environmental protection and the uses of hazard rating (HHRSR) and licensing under the Housing Act 2004
Day Three – looks at harassment and unlawful eviction, the identification of anti social behaviour and matters relating to inter tenant friction
Speakers
Hilary Crook, Solicitor, Hatch Legal
Hilary acts for a number of universities and private landlords and is recognised as a leader in her field. She is regularly consulted by representative bodies in the HE sector and advises the largest of the tenancy deposit protection schemes. An experienced trainer, who informs, stimulates and occasionally entertains.
John Martin, Barrister
Has wide experience of litigation on disrepair, harassment and illegal eviction, housing rights and the right to education, including actions in further and higher education. John is also Chair of the ANUK Tribunal for the Codes of Practice for Larger Student Developments.
Hilary and John will present issues and dilemmas from different perspectives enabling delegates to have a fuller view of the issues and information available.
Sarah Kelly, Tenancy Support Officer, Unipol Student Homes
Neil Marsden, Independent Environmental Health Consultant
Neil Marsden is an independent environmental health consultant specialising in housing. He is a qualified Environmental Health Officer with over thirty years experience working with four different local authorities. His practical experience is backed up with academic achievements that include, in addition to his professional degree in Environmental Health, an Honours degree in Food Science, a Masters degree in Environmental Pollution Science and a Diploma in Management Studies.
Martin Blakey, Chief Executive, Unipol Student Homes
An experienced trainer in student housing, its development and on-going management.
