MSB’s Social Housing Highlight – January 2025
Welcome to MSB’s monthly Social Housing Newsletter!
Bringing you all the latest updates from the world of Social Housing.
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The latest at MSB
Lots of exciting news this month!
For a very long time our Social Housing Team have been the only team working out of our Widnes, Cheshire Office. This month we have been joined by a team from our family department who will be based out of the Cheshire office permanently, we are very excited for them to join us. We are also proud to share that Alicia Manchester started her training contract with the team this month and Amy Tagoe was appointed Vice Chair of Women in Social Housing North West. We have enjoyed lots of celebrations this month, including both Australia day and Lunar New Year.
We have been out in community supporting the Careers Carousel and Amy Tagoe and Jessica Masih attended a local primary school to answer their questions about a career in law. Abigail Eves and Darcy Scott also attended a careers fair at a local high school. We love supporting great causes, so if you have any projects you would like us to get involved with, please contact thomasstockton@msbsolicitors.co.uk.
Our Book Club reads this month are: Orbital by Samantha Harvey, The Olive Tree by Lucinda Riley, Hot Not Bothered by Harper Ford, Shadows of the Past by Antony Coyne. If you are going to give any of the books we have recommended a go please let us know your thoughts and we can add your review to our book club newsletter. Read the latest newsletter here.
Updates and insight
Andrew Moore considers what is meant by ‘only or principal home’ and ‘intention to return’
Julia Michalczyk considers a recent County Court appeal decision on orders for forced entry.
Andrew Fairman considers the potential impact of the Renters Rights Bill.
Beth Hyams considers ‘notice’ in Housing Condition Claims.
Louise Murphy summarises a recent High Court decision which considered Environmental Protection Act prosecutions.
Stephen Postlethwaite considers the Supreme Courts decision in Anglo International Upholland Limited v Wainwright and ‘Newcomer’ Injunctions.
Amy Forshaw considers the new sections of the Equality Act and the impact of those in relation to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Housing Law News
Rent Standard and Guidance
On 19th December the Regulator of Social Housing published its guidance on annual rent increases from April 2025
Limit on annual rent increases 2025-26 – from April 2025 – GOV.UK
Renters’ Rights Bill
On 14th January 2025 the Renters Rights Bill had its third
reading in the House of Commons.
For further information on the amendments see here
Renters’ Rights Bill publications – Parliamentary Bills – UK Parliament
Spotlight on attitudes, respect and rights
On 30th January 2025 the Housing Ombudsman published its latest ‘learning from severe maladministration report’ which focuses on landlords handling of disabilities and mental health.
Landlord handling of disabilities and mental health
Good Practice
On 9th January 2025 the Housing Ombudsman published its Good Practice Consultation response and Good Practice Guidance will follow later this year
New power to issue Good Practice | Housing Ombudsman
Upcoming events
11th February 2025
Louise Murphy and Tom Stockton are providing an update on Awaab’s law at the Liverpool Law Society Housing Conditions Conference The 2025 Housing Conditions Conference (Hybrid) | Liverpool Law Society
19th February 2025
Our next free online legal surgery will take place between 2pm and 4pm. Please email dominiqueowens@msbsolicitors.co.uk to book your place
5th March 2025
Our next free webinar is on Housing Conditions and will be hosted by Tom Stockton and Beth Hyams. 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.
Case of the month
D’Aubigny v Khan & Anor (2025)
EWCA Civ 11
The case considers the deemed service.
Michelle Summers summarises the case.
Read more here.
Contact us, we are here to help
We’re here to help, so please pick up the phone or drop us an email and one of our dedicated team will help with your enquiry.