Legal

New ruling on adaptations

6 May 2014

Under the Housing Benefit rules, there are certain occasions when a claimant can claim Housing Benefit on ‘two homes’ for up to 4 weeks where they could not reasonably have avoided being liable for rent on both properties.

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Legal

New notice for possession proceeding

6 May 2014

New legislation comes into force on 5th May 2014 which changes the required notice that must be given when the Housing Executive or a Registered Housing Association is seeking to evict a secure tenant.

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Social Tenancies, Legal

Intentionally homeless due to affordability issues

9 April 2014

In today’s economic climate, affordability can be a common reason for persons presenting as homeless. Many private rented tenants are finding it increasingly difficult to find enough money to cover their housing costs; even with the help of Local Housing Allowance.

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Legal

New EEA jobseekers no longer entitled to Housing Benefit

1 April 2014

New regulations came into force on 1 April 2014 limiting an EEA national’s right to access Housing Benefit (HB) (1). The implementation of the Housing Benefit (Habitual Residence) Amendment Regulations (NI) 2014 follows a number of government measures to limit access to means-tested benefits for nationals of EEA countries, including limiting access to income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA(IB)) only to EEA migrants who

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Legal

Bedroom tax appeals

18 March 2014

There’s a huge thirst for information about the bedroom tax and its possible impact here, as evidenced by our sold out briefing session last month. At the session, we looked at some of the key arguments against this policy that have been heard by tribunals in Great Britain. These cases will be of great interest to housing and welfare professionals.

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Social Tenancies, Welfare Reform, Legal

Landlord registration up and running

25 February 2014

In a long awaited development private landlords in Northern Ireland are now required to provide information about themselves and their properties.

From 25th February, every private landlord in Northern Ireland must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme and provide this information - elements of which is available on government website NI Direct.

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Private Tenancies, Landlord, Legal

How the appointment of a Receiver impacts on a private tenant

21 February 2014

We've seen increasing numbers of tenants contact us because a Receiver has been appointed to manage the property they rent. Chris McGrath, Solicitor for Housing Rights Service, reports on the legal standing of tenants who find themselves in this position.

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Repossession, Private Tenancies, Practical tips, Landlord, Legal

Court of Appeal quashes PSNI decision on SPED

18 February 2014

A mother and daughter, who had been intimidated from their home, will now be able to sell their property under the SPED scheme thanks to a Court of Appeal decision made last week.