The session will cover:

• Understanding what social housing Law is
• Understanding what ‘Security of tenure’ is
• How to differentiate between different tenancies and rent
• Understanding the Court action /procedure/notices
• What to do when there is a breach of tenancy and eviction
• Understanding the different grounds for possession
• Understanding the Rent arrears eviction process
• Becoming familiar with ASB and the tools to tackle it
• Understanding vulnerability
• Subletting and the law.

What will delegates learn?

• Who provides social housing
• Develop an understanding of key housing legal terms
• Understand the nature of tenancies and licences
• Have an overview of the possession process
• Understand what ‘surrender’ of a tenancy is.

Who should attend?

The course is aimed at staff working in social housing, or those who would like to know more about housing law and how it relates to their role. This course is suitable for members of staff new to the housing sector or wishing to update their knowledge in the rapidly changing housing world.

Mel Cant trained as a Barrister and came to the Bar in 2000. She doesn’t practice independently, choosing to work in the Social Housing Sector which she has done now for over 25 years.

She covers all aspects of social housing law from housing advice, homelessness, allocations, lettings, tenancy and leasehold management, antisocial behaviour, asset management and disrepair.

She undertakes homelessness reviews for nine local authorities and also undertakes training and consultancy providing practical solutions to legal issues within the sector.

Her favourite feedback ever is “Everyone needs a Mel on speed dial!”

Humera Raja is a qualified solicitor who completed her LLB and Legal Practice Course (LPC) before qualifying in 2012. She has over seven years of legal practice experience as a defendant legal costs solicitor, negotiator and advocate, representing both government and private sector clients. Her work has included clinical negligence litigation, dispute resolution, advocacy and case management.

Since joining the University of Law as a Lecturer in 2020, Humera has developed a successful career in higher education. She completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) in 2023, became a Fellow of Advance HE in 2024, and was appointed Senior Lecturer in 2026.

Drawing on her combined expertise in law, housing-related matters, advocacy and education, Humera delivers engaging, practical and interactive training. Her learner-centred approach encourages discussion, reflection and the application of learning to real workplace situations, ensuring delegates leave with practical tools they can implement immediately.

Richard Paris has an MA from Queens’ College, Cambridge and a post-graduate Diploma in Housing from LSE. From 1991-93 he was senior research officer at LSE Housing, and has worked for short-life and supported housing agencies, mainstream housing associations and local authorities. He is a freelance housing law specialist with 20 years’ training and development experience undertaking educational training, consultancy, policy and procedure health checks. He specialises in housing law updates, dealing with anti-social behaviour effectively, preventing and controlling rent arrears, do-it-yourself possession proceedings, the law in supported housing and the law on disrepair and best practice.