Housing PLE courses

'Excellent - easy to follow and I got a huge amount from the case studies and discussion in the group.'

In this section we give an overview of our training sessions on housing and homelessness issues. These include the most common types of problems that people living in the private rented sector face (which are also relevant to people living in social housing) and key issues relevant to people who are homeless, including those living in temporary accommodation.

The basics of tenancies and other housing arrangements

'I really liked this format - it allowed us to practically test how we understood the law and get feedback and advice on the areas that fall between the gaps.'

This course introduces some of the basic skills and knowledge required to enforce your legal rights in housing. The main aims of this session are to help participants:

  • Understand the main components of the right to adequate housing

  • Understand the basics of a contract – lawful and unlawful terms

  • Understand the different rights and responsibilities in different kinds of occupation such as tenancies or licences

Dealing with housing disrepair

‘I have learned that evidence is key to the process of reporting disrepair and a range of options available when dealing with disrepair.’

This course deals with practical legal questions around disrepair and the relationship between landlord and tenant. It provides the opportunity to develop and practice key communication skills and the ability to identify and assess different courses of action for dealing with disrepair problems.

The aim of this session is to help participants:

  • understand the basic rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in relation to disrepair,

  • assess and develop a course of action for dealing with disrepair problems,

  • recognise and develop effective communication skills, and

  • identify sources of support when dealing with disrepair problems.

‘Thank you so much for such insightful training. I’m much better informed and resourced to support my clients from an informed perspective. The delivery of the training was perfect for me, even I could follow and not get lost like I’ve done in other training.’

Private renting - section 21 evictions

‘The day was really great and I admire how the trainers delivered the session. I learned a great deal and it’s one of the best training days I have ever had.’

This training provides a basic overview of section 21 evictions and assists in developing a set of strategies for dealing with them.

As a result of this training, participants will:

  • learn about the section 21 eviction process,

  • identify some of the reasons why a tenant may be able to challenge a landlord’s claim for a possession order,

  • recognise the pros and cons of challenging a claim for a possession order, and

  • find out about sources of information and legal help available to help tenants facing eviction from their home.

‘The discussions/workshop approach helped me to not only understand the section 21 evictions but also the awareness for help and support.’

Dealing with local authorities in the context of homelessness

'Thank you! This has been fantastic ... It's the first course I've done that I have actually enjoyed!'

The training aims to help people facing homelessness or activists/practitioners working with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness develop skills and legal knowledge needed to deal with local authorities. As a result of this training, participants will:

  • Understand basic rights of people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness have;

  • Understand the duties of local authorities around preventing and addressing homelessness, and providing emergency/temporary accommodation;

  • Navigate the process around homelessness application;

  • Identify practical strategies for addressing gatekeeping by local authorities.

‘I now know how to approach local authorities in regards to housing complaints.’

Living in temporary accommodation

'It was great. LOADS of time for questions and we always felt like we could get answers. We never ran out of time and didn't try to pack too much in. All the solicitors and staff were brilliant.'

This training aims to provide a basic introduction to temporary accommodation and help participants assist people who may be going through temporary accommodation. The main aims of this training are for participants to:

  • Learn about different types of temporary accommodation and rights and conditions for each

  • Be able to assess an offer of temporary accommodation

  • Understand how to challenge an offer of temporary accommodation 

    Bidding for social housing

    This training aims to provide a basic overview on how to apply for social housing, that is low-cost rented housing provided by housing associations or councils. The main aims of the training are for participants to: 

    'Thank you, this has been very very usefull and presented in a way which is easy to understand.'

    • Understand the housing allocation scheme;
    • Understand how to apply for council housing;
    • Understand how to navigate the bidding system;
    • Understand how to challenge councils’ decisions.
    Benefits and housing

    This training revolves around key benefits and how they relate to housing. The aim of this training is to help participants:

    'A great overview with really good specific links for resources, thank you.'

    • Gain a basic overview of key benefits for people with different needs

    • Understand how to best support people who are claiming or about to claim benefits for rent, including dealing with Universal Credit 

    • Be able to find information on a range of issues related to benefits

    • Understand how to challenge decisions about benefits

    Supporting survivors of domestic abuse with homelessness applications

    'So immediately applicable to practice, incredibly clear and well presented. Thank you'

    The Domestic Abuse Act is a welcome change in the law surrounding survivors of abuse and their access to housing. It has had implications in several areas of housing law. The workshop aims at building the knowledge and capacity of people working with domestic abuse survivors to use the Act and secure safe accommodation. We will look at the main provisions of the Domestic Abuse Act, particularly:

    • Updated definition of domestic abuse
    • The limitations of the Act
    • Threshold of evidence around domestic abuse
    • Ways to challenge unreasonable delay in securing accommodation

    The workshop is run in collaboration with the Public Interest Law Centre - https://www.pilc.org.uk/

    Using strategic litigation for housing problems

    'Very useful as the legal system is quite opaque to those not directly involved. Often if organisations know how the legal system around housing and homelessness works, they might be better able to assist those requiring help.'

    This workshop focuses on the use of strategic litigation for dealing with housing problems. The workshop looks at:

    • The definition of strategic litigation
    • The sorts of cases where strategic litigation can be used
    • The process for pursuing a case through strategic litigation
    • Important timelines, including when you need a solicitor

    The workshop is run in collaboration with the Public Interest Law Centre - https://www.pilc.org.uk/

    Vulnerability letters in homelessness applications

    'Really good course, with a good mix of information, opportunities to ask questions and practical approach to writing a letter.'

    This workshop focuses on assisting people with homelessness applications, particularly around the writing of effective vulnerability letters. There is little awareness about letters/evidence to support vulnerability assessments, and their importance in the course of the homelessness application process. These letters can make the difference in determining whether the person applying is entitled to suitable housing - whether private rented sector accommodation or social housing. 

    The workshop includes an overview of the homelessness application process, explaining the role of vulnerability assessments, and includes a hands on exercise in writing effective letters.