Training Courses

We offer in-house training or bespoke courses to interested clients. This is available either as part of one of our subscription packages or as a standalone service.

Examples of our courses can be found below:

• Housing Law and Housing Management courses
• Asset Management courses
• Income Management courses
• Anti Social Behaviour courses
• Leasehold management courses

What we offer

Our trainers

StephenBurtchaell – partner and commercial property lawyer

Sarah Schooling - associate solicitor specialising in housing and landlord and tenant

Joe Warren - a Legal Executive specialising in housing management and tenancy enforcement

Some feedback

“He’s got some great training, but best of all he talks in a simple straight manner that both myself and my staff can understand.”

Jane Edmonds, Assistant Director of Futures at Knightstone, on one of our trainers, when recommending him to Angela Gascoigne, the Managing Director at  Somer Community Housing Trust.

Angela Hoskin of Yarlington Housing group comments:

“[Tozers houisng solicitors have] excellent training skills confirmed by the very positive feedback from staff…100% of the attendees rated the courses as very good (the top rating) or good (the second rating).”

Delegates from Yarlington Housing Group gave the following feedback recently:

"It was all very relevant and useful. I've learnt a lot."

"Excellent, very informative and easy to listen to."

 "Very good presenter."

Barbara Bottomley of Teign Housing comments:

"Joe explains things in a way that is easy to understand. I was able to gain a good understanding of different tenancies, assignment and succession." 

The benefits to your organisation

Our housing law and housing management courses include:

Overview of housing management -  ½ day

Useful introduction to the different types of occupancy agreements, security of tenure, how a tenancy is created, implied and express obligations and how to terminate the occupancy. The aim of the course is to give delegates an understanding of housing law and how to apply it to their day to day roles.

Essentials of housing law - 2 days

Beginning with an introduction to the basics of security of tenure and the nature of and rationale behind certain occupancy arrangements, moving on to a detailed consideration of a broad range of issues which crop up in every day housing management. Bringing together into one course a wide range of subject matters of which all housing staff should be aware, but rarely are! Subjects covered include abandonment and abandoned goods, assignment and mutual exchange, disrepair, enforcement, express and implied terms, family breakdown, Housing Acts, unlawful eviction, licences, minors, sub-letting, succession, tenants rights, trespassers, types of tenancies and options for the recovery of possessions.

Enforcement of tenancy terms -  ½ day

A useful look at the remedies available for tackling minor and persistent breaches of the tenancy agreement, including injunctions, re-charge provisions and claims for damages. The course is designed specifically for common day to day tenancy problems which are not in nature, anti-social.

Abandonment and the law on abandoned goods -  ½ day

Considering the statutory and contractual position when a premises appears to be abandoned and how a landlord should determine whether or not it is has been - looking at express and implied surrender and best evidence. Looking at the 'legal' method of how to recover the premises and what to do with any goods remaining - considering and discussing the alternative approach in light of wider commercial considerations. A useful course dealing with a common problem for housing staff.

Assignment and Succession -  ½ day

An overview of tenants rights to assign and the formal requirements for transferring a legal interest in land. Also looking at statutory, contractual and common law rights of succession - who qualifies, who doesn't and how to deal with a claim for succession.

Issues on the death of a tenant -  ½ day

This course explores the rules about dealing with the deceased's estate and particular tenancy management issues such as succession to the tenancy and disposal of the deceased's belongings.

Judicial Review -  ½ day

This course will look at the implications for Registered Providers of the Court of Appeal decision in London and Quadrant Housing Trust v Weaver. It will provide an introduction to Judicial Review, and will consider the grounds, procedure and the types of orders made. An essential course for all housing staff providing a reminder of the importance of following policies and procedures and ensuring that decisions are fair and can be justified.

Managing different occupancy arrangements -  ½ day

An essential course for housing staff providing a valuable understanding of the different types of tenancies and licences, in what circumstances they can be used and how they can be terminated.

Drafting valid notices -  ½ day

A practical session on drafting a range of notices. The course will commence with a summary of the principles of housing law; looking at the different types of occupancy arrangements and putting into perspective what impact (if any) the respective notice has on the tenancy/ licence. The course provides an essential insight into the importance of correctly calculating 'notice expiry dates' and where appropriate, properly pleading grounds and allegations - two areas where many notices regularly fall down, causing delay and/ or additional cost to a landlord.

Dealing with trespassers -  ½ day

What to do about the professional squatters, failed succession, unauthorised sub-tenants and the evicted tenant that returns. A look at a the different options (legal and non-legal) for each category of trespasser and considering the procedure for obtaining a Court Order and recovery of mesne profits.

Unlawful subletting – ½ day

Looking at the statutory and contractual rules relating to lodgers and sub tenants and considering the options for recovery of possession and how to obtain the best evidence to ensure a successful outcome.

The Asset Management courses include:

Dealing with disrepair (Part I) - 2 hours

A basic level introduction to the statutory repairing obligations placed upon landlords with consideration given to the types of defences which can be relied upon.

Dealing with disrepair (Part II) - 1 day

A more detailed look at the statutory repairing obligations and relevant body of case law. The course is designed for delegates with a working knowledge of disrepair.

Gas servicing - 2 hours

Reviewing the obligations upon a landlord to carry out annual gas safety inspections and servicing and looking at the obligations upon a tenant to allow access. Investigating what legal remedies are open to the landlord and considering regulatory guidance.

The Income Management courses include:

A practical guide to rent arrears and service charges - 2 hours

This course brings together the main changes to rent possession claims brought about by the Rent Arrears Pre Action Protocol, Civil Procedure Rule relating to Postponed Possession Orders and Knowsley Housing Trust v White. Consideration is also given to the implications of Forcelux Limited v Binnie. A useful look at the wider financial considerations will also prove invaluable to housing staff that conduct their own advocacy, particularly when dealing with the applications to suspend the warrant.

Bankruptcy, IVAs and debt recovery - 3 hours

What happens when a tenant becomes bankrupt or enters and IVA and how does this impact on the tenancy? This course addresses these issues and also provides a useful overview of the options for recovery of money judgments and other debts.

Small claims training - 3 hours

A practical overview of how to issue a claim for a small debt and enforce orders obtained. This course is ideal for those dealing with non-rent related income (e.g. former tenant debt or outstanding recharges) to assist in maximising the recovery of such debts. By the end of the training you will have all the tools you need to start your own claims.

The Anti Social Behaviour courses include:

DIY Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions - 1 day

A practical course where delegates will learn how to apply for an ASBI in the county court. Delegates will draft the relevant application papers and witness statements from case studies provided. The afternoon session will involve group working with delegates preparing their submissions for presenting their application in a moot. This course is designed for ASB practitioners and it is helpful if delegates are familiar with the statutory tests for obtaining injunctions, powers of arrest and exclusions.

Dealing with problem families - ½ day

A round up of Family Intervention Tenancies, Parenting Contracts and Parenting Orders - what they are and how they work. These remedies are widely 'under used'. If used and managed appropriately they could save an organisation significant legal costs and help address the root causes of the misbehaviour rather than simply displacing the family.  This course will explore how they are created, managed and enforced.

Low Level ASB and recurring tenancy problems - 1 day

Looking at a range of informal, formal and legal options for addressing low level nuisance and regular minor breaches of tenancy. Exploring the tools available to the registered provider as well as those available to other statutory agencies. A useful insight into a number of different tools which can be utilised in tackling the complex range of issues that housing staff encounter on a regular basis – but are sometimes at a loss about what they can do.

Data Protection and RIPA - ½ day

Investigation of information sharing under the Data Protection Act 1998 and Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Also looking at the rules relating to surveillance which, in light of Weaver, become particularly important for registered providers to familiarise themselves with.

Mental health and ASB - ½ day

Delegates will explore and consider the issues in dealing with perpetrators, victims and witnesses with mental health problems. It will also identify the implications of granting a tenancy to, and options for, court action, where a person lacks mental capacity. This course concludes with an overview of the range of powers and assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Hate Crime and Domestic Violence - ½ day

A review of dealing with hate crime, harassment and domestic violence in housing. This course addresses how best to support victims and act against perpetrators of hate crime and harassment on any grounds (racially motivated, homophobic, religious, disability gender identity or ethnicity). The course also looks at the issue of domestic violence and how best to deal with it in the housing context.

Evidence MASTERCLASS - 1 day

The morning session sets the foundations for the afternoon session by introducing the different types of evidence, specific rules of court relating to these, how evidence must be presented, evidence gathering techniques and tips for ensuring the best evidence is obtained from witnesses. After lunch delegates have an opportunity of putting into practise the morning's learning when they undertake a practical witness statement drafting exercise from the 'case file' with which delegates will be provided.

Enforcement of Orders - ½ day

Registered providers have a wide range of tools available to them in addressing problems such as breaches of tenancy, trespass and ASB. Whilst staff may understand what the tools are and how to obtain them, they are less familiar with enforcement. This course aims to familiarise delegates with the broad range of Orders they may come across and explains how they would enforce such Orders. This course is ideal for new starters and as a refresher course for established front line staff.

Basic Court Advocacy - ½ day

 An essential course for any staff who attend court on behalf of a social landlord either for the purposes of presenting applications and claims, as a witness or when accompanying resident witnesses. Staff will learn essential information about court etiquette, advocacy and some of the more general procedural rules relating to evidence, case management and costs.

Drafting valid notices -  ½ day

A practical session on drafting a range of notices. The course will commence with a summary of the principles of housing law; looking at the different types of occupancy arrangements and putting into perspective what impact (if any) the respective notice has on the tenancy/ licence. The course provides an essential insight into the importance of correctly calculating 'notice expiry dates' and where appropriate, properly pleading grounds and allegations - two areas where many notices regularly fall down, causing delay and/ or additional cost to a landlord.

The leasehold management courses include:

Shared Ownership – ½ day 

Explores what a shared ownership lease is from a technical “legal” perspective, and looks in particular at the unique clauses which staff need to be familiar with and which make it different from a standard lease. Examines the concept of owning and purchasing “tranches” and the concept of staircasing and the procedure to be followed when it is taken up. Also considering the procedural and legal aspects of the purchase of the freehold of a house or the 100% purchase of a long leasehold flat.

Section 20 consultation – ½ day

Investigating the basic requirements of the legislation regarding consultation, thresholds, other information a landlord must provide, who must be consulted, rights of the tenant, who is the “landlord”, penalties for non-compliance, emergency works, procedures to be followed, other requirements.

Service Charges for Leaseholders – what can be charged? – ½ day

What are service charges? Considering the relevant legislation, how service charges are generally covered in a lease, limits on the landlord’s ability to charge, sinking funds, reasonableness and the role of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal.   

Recovery of charges from leaseholders – ½ day

Considering recoverable charges and how they arise (administration, rent, ground rent, service charges and other charges such as registration fees for Notices). Also focusing on the use of methods of enforcement including Housing Act 1988, forfeiture procedure, small claims and enforcement of money judgments.

Leasehold Reform Act – ½ day

Considering the ability to “enfranchise” under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 and exploring some of the other provisions of the Act including qualifying conditions, exceptions where the qualifying conditions are not 100% compliant, exclusions, procedure and price to be paid. The course also introduces delegates to the wider statutory codes and their relevance, including the Landlord & Tenant Act 1987, the Leasehold Reform Housing & Urban Development Act 1993 and the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.

Neighbourhood management and leaseholders rights and responsibilities – ½ day

A useful review of leaseholders rights and responsibilities and the enforcement options available to the landlord. Delegates will be provided with an essential understanding of the different types of enforcement remedies (and when to use them) including Housing Act 1988, forfeiture procedure, Breach of Contract Injunctions, ASB Injunctions.

Understanding leases – ½ day

An introduction to leases. Looking at a basic lease and the principal clauses e.g. the particulars, the demise, leaseholder covenants, landlord’s covenants, provisos, rent/rent review and service charge provisions, rights granted, rights excepted. This course is an essential for any housing staff involved in leasehold work.

Leasehold Valuation Tribunal – ½ day

This course provides a detailed explanation into what is the LVT, what jurisdiction does it have and from where this authority derives. The course also looks into how the LVT is constituted, what it can decide, the procedure, what  does it cost and what are the options if not happy with the decision of the LVT.  

For further information on any of the courses mentioned, please contact

Stephen Burtchaell at Tozers LLP on 01392 207020.