This one-day course will consider:

• The Right to Buy process and the need to ensure that sale prices include the cost of all works undertaken by you over the last 10, and sometimes 15 years
• The need to ensure an effective S.125 notice is served within the Right to Buy process, and the implications if the notice is ineffective or lacks relevant information
• The clauses of the lease in terms of maintaining the stock and the potential issues where the right to improve is not included within the lease
• The S.20 consultation in detail in respect of major works, long-term contracts and major works within long-term contracts
• Permission requirements for ‘improvements’ undertaken by leaseholders
• Responsive repair reporting to include what is your responsibility to undertake as well as the use of building insurance
• Right of access
• How to deal with breaches in terms of access and ‘improvements’ without permission.

The final element of the course will consider potential defenses and counterclaims that leaseholders may have available to them in respect of paying for the work you’ve undertaken, and tips on how to avoid effective challenges within the First-tier Tribunal.

Who should attend?

All officers whose responsibility is the development, planning and delivery of planned maintenance and improvement works, or are responsible for the delivery of the responsive repairs contract; procurement officers for long-term contracts and tenders for works; legal officers and leasehold officers.

Mel Cant became a Barrister in July 2000 and both prior to and since that time has worked within the housing sector to improve services to the public and providers by providing leadership, practical advice, training, support and guidance in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Mel’s “can do” attitude along with her passion for ensuring equality and fairness for all through outstanding customer service and providing practical solutions has made her a “go to” person within social housing.

If you are unable to attend an event or public training course, please let us know in writing (email is fine) at least 48 hours before. Please email [email protected]. Otherwise, a cancellation fee of £60 plus VAT will be chargeable. If you are using a package place to attend and do not inform us within the agreed time frame, then a place will be taken to cover your non-attendance. Cancellations must be made in writing, and will be acknowledged by HQN Limited.