Missing contractual targets

Welfare reform calendar 2011 – 2013

The Welfare Reform Bill is about to receive royal assent and will radically alter the benefits system. Now the government has beaten the Lords, Carl Brown explains why it is important that landlords prepare for the changes

Speaking out of turn

Landlords braced for impact of benefit reform

Social landlords are preparing to commit significant amounts of extra cash and resources to ready themselves for the impact of the Welfare Reform Bill, which was expected to receive royal assent yesterday.

Direct payment could double rent arrears

Housing associations are anticipating rent arrears could double as a result of moves to pay housing welfare payments direct to tenants.

Side effects

Acting with conviction

Squatting could soon be criminalised but awareness of current laws is crucial, says Sarah Lines, social housing lawyer at Cobbetts

Strike while the iron’s hot

Landlords have until 12 December to deliver carbon emission and energy savings targets. Christopher Paul, partner at Trowers & Hamlins explains

The right combination

Landlords should ensure the benefits of combined heat and power systems outweigh the burdens, says Nnenna Morah, senior associate in the housing team at Lewis Silkin

Unlocking the green code

Green leases are becoming more common for social landlords with commercial property, says Ben Halsey, senior associate at Lewis Silkin

Getting up to speed

With little progress on calls for an exemption, developing social landlords need to be aware of new procurement rules, says Bill Hull