News
Welcome to our news page. Here you will find out what we’re up to and what we think about recent events and future possibilities.
Devonshires recognised again by Legal 500 for our expertise
The latest Legal 500 guide has been published and we are delighted to have been recognised again for our excellent work in a number of our core practice areas.
Devonshires appointed to the CHIC Legal Panel
Following a tendering process, we are delighted to announce that we have been appointed to the CHIC Legal Panel.
Working with the National Housing Federation
Devonshires has acted for the National Housing Federation on the new Voluntary Right to Buy Proposal and the reclassification by the Office for National Statistics of housing associations as public bodies.
Modern Slavery Act 2015: preparing a slavery and human-trafficking statement
Earlier this year, we reported[1] on how the Modern Slavery Act 2015 had introduced an obligation on organisations to produce an annual statement of the measures they had taken to ensure there was no modern slavery (including human trafficking) in their own businesses or supply chains. A Practical Guide on how to ensure compliance with Section 54 has now been published by the Home Office.
Labour Costs: National Minimum Wage and Proposed Enforcement Measures
On 1 October 2015, over one million workers received a pay rise with the increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Can leaseholders claim compensation if the landlord delayed or failed to carry out repairs?
If a leaseholder reports a repair, for example a problem with the roof, then the landlord will need to consider if it is responsible for the repair works to the building or internal repairs to the leaseholder’s property and how it will be paid for.
Court finds guidance on affordable housing planning obligations unlawful
The High Court has taken the unusual step of interfering with Government policy in West Berkshire District Council and another v Department for Communities and Local Government.
Using the FTT’s Rules to Manage Disputes
In our last edition we set out some of the new rules which apply to the First Tier Property Tribunal (FTT), following its introduction in place of the LVT.
Recovering the Costs of Preparing s146 Notices
Where a leaseholder has breached the terms of their lease (other than non-payment of rent) the landlord can serve a notice under s.146 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1925 giving a reasonable period of time for the leaseholder to respond regarding remedying the breach, if it is capable of being remedied.
Reasonableness of Service Charges for Improvements
Whether works or services provided by a landlord can be recharge to leaseholders is a matter of the construction of the lease.
Section 20 Statutory Consultation for “Dwellings”
It is well known that the consultation process for service charges, pursuant to s20 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 applies to residential properties.
Ask the Expert: Time Limits on Recovery of Service Charges
We are a Registered Provider of Housing and we are intending to recover the costs of works which were carried out to the roof to a block of flats.
