Council slammed for overvaluing housing stock

‘There’s no such thing as squatters' rights'

If the government gets its way squatting could soon be illegal in England. But will criminalising an estimated 20,000 people cause more problems than it solves? Simon Brandon investigates

Landlord fined £20k for 'dirty tricks' campaign

A private landlord which conducted a campaign of harassment against tenants in a bid to force them out of their home has been fined thousands of pounds.

Blast from the past

Proceed with caution

One year on from the collapse of Connaught, the obvious conclusion is that lessons have not been learned.

Viable questions

Exit strategy

Tenants are wholly responsible for exercising break clauses, says Matthew Lake

The transfer window

Be aware of employees’ rights when a change of service provision occurs, warns Marc Long, partner at Clarke Willmott

The get out of jail free card

Associations that enter into leases with councils must beware as authorities have a get-out clause, says Jacqueline Knox, director at Wragge & Co

The shortlist

Emily Rogers visits the council that is replacing allocation forms with face-to-face meetings to vet prospective tenants

Nest egg necessities

Social landlords have just a year to prepare for pension reforms. Chris Crichton, solicitor at TLT Solicitors, explains more