Connect with today’s Speakers 

Samantha Grix | Partner

020 7880 4307
samantha.grix@devonshires.co.uk

Samantha advises Private Registered Providers and Local Authorities across a spectrum of matters affecting the social housing sector including Housing Management and has specialist knowledge of rent regulation.

Regulation

a. Rent Regulation

Samantha leads on rent regulation and advises both private Registered Providers and local authorities (RPs) of all sizes. She has in depth knowledge of rent regulation, both historical and present, as well as the overarching regulatory framework applicable to RPs.  Samantha regularly advises RPs on compliance, self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing and advises on and undertakes investigations in respect of complex rent regulation matters. In doing so, Samantha works collaboratively with clients and third-party consultants to determine the cause and extent of the issue as well as providing pragmatic advice to rectify the issue and prevent it from occurring again. Samantha also regularly trains clients and Boards on rent regulation.

In addition to the above, Samantha advises on validity of rent increase notices, acts for RPs in challenges to the First Tier Tribunal and advises on interpretation of rent increase provisions in tenancies and leases.

b. Consumer Standards

Samantha also advises clients on the Consumer Standards and is adept at providing pragmatic and straightforward advice on compliance and how to remedy identified breaches.

Examples of her experience, include advising RPs on their duties to engage with and involve their tenants, often in the context of disposals and transfers, and drafting and/or advising on consultation documents. The Tenancy Standard is also something Samantha advises on, on a regular basis and this often dovetails with her rent regulation work.

Inquests

Samantha has over 10 years experience of acting for Registered Providers (RPs) in Article 2 (right to life) and non-Article 2 inquests.  She has represented RPs operating general needs housing, care homes and specialist and specialised supported housing for vulnerable categories of people. Her background in housing management and property litigation provides a strong foundation for understanding the intricacies of the operations of RPs which provides Samantha with unique insight and skills when dealing with inquests.

Samantha has dealt with high profile inquests such as that into the death of Sheila Seleoane and is adept at providing strategic and pragmatic advice to clients resulting in necessary changes/improvements being made to avoid Reports to Prevent Future Deaths (PFD) being made by the Coroner, with a 100% record to date for her clients. Samantha is often engaged at a very early stage and regularly guides clients through internal investigations following the unexpected death of a resident which are then used to inform her advice, and the Coroner.

Samantha has built a team around her which has allowed the practice to be well serviced and to thrive.

Gemma Bell | Partner

020 3815 2650
gemma.bell@devonshires.co.uk

Gemma advises on a range of areas including social housing regulatory, charity law, governance, company and community benefit society law, corporate restructuring projects, joint ventures, stock transfers and mergers and acquisitions.

Gemma acts for a range of clients nationally including housing associations, local authorities, charities and social enterprises.

Prior to Devonshires, Gemma headed the Housing Corporate and Governance team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. Before that, she jointly led the Housing Corporate and Governance team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. She has worked in the social housing sector throughout her career.