Cost: from £205 + VAT

Speaker: Rosemary Keczkes

This course explores the key practical aspects of dealing with housing disrepair and claims brought under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) legislation. The course will look at defending disrepair claims, both pre-action and where court proceedings are commenced, and will include practical tips and case studies, allowing for discussion and interaction both with colleagues and the speaker. The course will cover:

• An overview and update on the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims
• Express and implied contractual terms
• Notice and record keeping
• Expert evidence
• Liability assessments
• Defences
• Allocation hearings/Directions
• Trial preparation
• Dealing with appeals
• Breach claims
• Specific challenges caused by the pandemic
• Strategies to adopt on high-risk cases

About the speaker:

Rosemary Keczkes

Principal Legal Officer, Leeds City Council

Rosemary has specialised in civil litigation from the outset of her career and has housing law experience spanning 20 years. She has experience of working in house for Housing Associations and also Local Government, and is currently the Housing Disrepair Team Leader at Leeds City Council and a Law Society Housing Law Committee member and current Chair. Rosemary is also a member of the SHLA.