Service charge to be included in 80% rents

On the front line

When riots ripped through England last week, most people watched the unfolding horror on their television screens. But for many housing professionals the sight of burning buildings, looted shops and mobs running amok was a shocking reality. Here, Alex Wellman relays their stories

Refuges at risk

Welfare reform casts a shadow over the future of safe havens for victims of domestic abuse. Jess McCabe reports on service providers’ struggle for survival and, ultimately, that of their clients.

Housing’s new look

A year ago Inside Housing launched its State of the Nation series to examine how landlords are adapting to the fast-changing social housing landscape. Martin Hilditch looks back at an unprecedented 12 months

Turned away

Research by Inside Housing reveals councils are overturning a high proportion of their homelessness decisions that have been challenged. Martin Hilditch investigates the reasons and the ramifications for homeless people

Renting rip-off

Knocking down barriers

Finance Bill reforms aim to make it easier and cheaper to invest in the housing market. James Duncan, partner at Winckworth Sherwood, explains

Window of opportunity

Last month’s court ruling means landlords may have a few weeks to claim the pre-cut feed-in tariff rate, says Rob Beiley, partner at Trowers & Hamlins

How to...

Social landlords can play a big role in improving the energy efficiency of the nation’s homes. But they must lobby hard to ensure ministers understand that they will need support to do so, says Martin Wheatley

Acting with conviction

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

Cold cottage rescue

Isolation from mains gas can spell financial hardship. Alex Turner investigates how Cornish landlords are exploring renewable energy solutions to rural fuel poverty