duration

Duration
1 day

duration

Location
Live virtual

duration

Availability
Limited

Suitable for:       R What does this mean?

Possession proceedings should always be a last resort for landlords, due to the serious consequences for tenants — often the loss of their home. Legal action must be shown to be both reasonable and proportionate.
With rising costs of living and increased awareness of mental health concerns, it’s more important than ever for landlords to stay up to date with legal obligations, best practices, and evidence requirements. This ensures both compliance and fairness, helping housing professionals avoid unnecessary legal pitfalls.

This course provides practical, in-depth training on how possession proceedings work in the County Court. It equips staff with the skills and legal awareness needed to approach possession effectively, ethically, and legally.

  • Read more

    Key elements of the training include:

    • Understanding the evidence required to prove a breach of tenancy
    • For discretionary grounds, learning how to demonstrate that possession is reasonable
    • Exploring common defences, such as:
      • Capacity issues
      • Disrepair claims
      • Human Rights arguments
    • Identifying preventative measures to reduce the risk of such challenges.

    A major goal of the course is to encourage participants to consider:

    “Should I be going for possession because the tenant won’t comply with their tenancy? Or are there reasons they can’t comply — and what can we do to help them sustain their tenancy?”

    The training also walks through the court process, with guidance on key tasks such as drafting effective witness statements.

    What will delegates learn?

    • Understand why possession must be a last resort
    • Ensure all evidence is included in court documents
    • Understand the current challenges faced in seeking possession
    • Understand the impact of changes to the Civil procedure rules on possession proceedings
    • How to be prepared for defences and counter claims.

    Who should attend?

    This course is designed for all staff working in social housing, particularly those who:

    • Take or are involved in possession action
    • Enforce tenancy agreements
    • Need a clear understanding of the legal and practical steps involved

    It is suitable for new starters as well as those seeking a refresher.

    Learning outcomes

    By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

    • Understand why possession must be a last resort
    • Assess and prepare evidence effectively for court
    • Apply the Pre-action Protocol correctly
    • Understand how to demonstrate reasonableness and proportionality
    • Navigate the court process with confidence
    • Be ready to respond to defences and potential counterclaims
    • Reflect on the difference between “can’t comply” and “won’t comply”, and how this impacts tenancy enforcement.

    Course content

    The session will cover:

    • The legal framework for possession
    • When and how possession can be sought
    • Understanding and applying the Pre-action Protocol for social landlords
    • Grounds for possession – mandatory and discretionary
    • Risk assessments for justification and proportionality
    • Drafting and serving notices
    • Court proceedings and how to issue them
    • Attending court – practical tips and expectations
    • Preparing and drafting witness statements
    • Addressing tenant defences, including capacity, disrepair, and human rights
    • Applying for a warrant of possession
    • Case studies: rent arrears and nuisance
    • Relevant case law and Equality Act considerations.
  • Our trainer

    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.

  • Testimonials

    • Aisha was really engaging, and encouraged lots of interaction and discussion which I found really helpful.

      Homes Plus

    • Learned so much from this course and I will be using all aspects in my current role.
      The trainer delivered an excellent course and was very easy to understand.

      Cannock Chase Council

    • Ashia was brilliant, kept us all well informed, made the day one of the best training events.

      Bassetlaw District Council
  • Cancellations and substitutions

    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.

  • Price and booking

    Bookings are closed for this event.

    If you experience any issues when submitting your booking, please email [email protected] with the name and date of the session along with the delegate name(s), email address(es) and job title(s) and we'll process the booking for you.

Dates



We can bring this course to you.
If you have five or more staff interested our in-house training offers great value for money.

Complete the form below and we'll be in touch.

We can bring this course to you.
If you have five or more staff interested for this course date, our in-house training offers great value for money. All you need to do is click the in-house tab and drop us a message.

 

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