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

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: 

    • 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.