Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2019 – What the sector needs to know

The NHC, in conjunction with Ward Hadaway, will be hosting a seminar to take an in-depth look at the extent of the impact that the Act will have on housing associations and local authorities alike. The seminar will take place on Thursday 7 March at the offices of Ward Hadaway in Leeds between 12:30 and 16:30.

The sector in certain parts of the country are experiencing a huge upsurge in disrepair claims by tenants brought under conditional fee agreements; this legislation will exacerbate this situation.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 will come into force on 20 March of this year and apply to all social housing periodic tenancies commencing after that date, and all such tenancies (whenever they began) from 20 March 2020. It creates an implied contractual provision that a residential property is fit for human habitation, by reference to various criteria, and hazards as defined by the Housing Act 2004.

All Registered Providers need to pay close attention to the workings of the Act and consider carefully in advance of coming into force its impact on both their housing and asset management strategies, and claims risks.

This seminar is vital for staff working in asset management, housing management, in-house legal, governance and compliance as well as those staff with a wider interest in the subject matter looking to learn preventative approaches.

We will have a range of speakers with legal, surveying, environmental health and local authority approaches to disrepair all examined. The seminar will act as both an update on relevant legislation (Housing Act 2004, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, HHSRS), a briefing on the impact of the new legislation (Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018) and guides to preventative approaches to disrepair in-house using practical exercises, best practice and legal precedents.

Confirmed Speakers

 John Murray, Head of Social Housing Group, Ward Hadaway

Simon Thirtle, Associate – Property Litigation, Ward Hadaway

David Dunbar, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Calderdale Council

Robert Emson, Senior Housing Management Lawyer, Home Group

Book your place

Please note: All prices are exclusive of VAT.