My first blog on the social housing page… Mmm, what do I say? Welcome to Autumn. New statute comes into force. The outlook for social housing in the coming months. No, none of this seems quite right for a first blog.
What is “social housing”? Ok, now that has me thinking. What exactly is this sector in the market place and what are the challenges to social housing providers? I am a commercial property solicitor. I could list here the types of transactions that I have experience in but I don’t think that is as important as saying that I am beginning to understand how my role fits in your market sector.
The critical part of being an adviser is to have an understanding of a client’s business. Without an appreciation of my client’s objectives, market frustrations, sector growth and their customers how can I help a client achieve their business plans?
My investigations to this question began with a visit to a client providing “accommodation and support to vulnerable and homeless individuals, most specifically offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of offending”. The charity doesn’t just provide homes for these people but gives support to their clients with a view to creating independent living and a crime free lifestyle. They offer a range of activities and education training and/or employment opportunities alongside supporting the development of independent living skills.
The next step was to look at the laws affecting the social housing sector. I went to a seminar in London. The topics covered were not property law related per se but nevertheless it was enlightening; Care Act 2014, homeless cases arising under Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, tenancy deposit protection, anti-social behaviour.
To paraphrase Lance Armstrong “it’s not about the [bricks and mortar]”. It’s about becoming part of a team.
Traditionally, lawyers use blogs to provide legal updates; sometimes I might do that. Follow my blogs and a get a glimpse of the commercial property legal industry as I continue to learn more about your industry.
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