UNIT 6, EAST TERRACE BUSINESS PARK, EUXTON LANE, CHORLEY, PR7 6TB, ENGLAND
- Tel:
- Work 0844 873 1360
- Fax:
- Fax 0844 412 7557
- DX:
- 700931 CHORLEY-2
- Web:
- www.whiteheadsols.co.uk
- Email:
As one of the largest firms in the country that specialises solely in acting for social housing providers, Whiteheads has first-class expertise in: anti-social behaviour; tenancy management; disrepair; property matters; compliance; and training.
The firm: Whiteheads was founded in 1992 as one of the first firms to specialise in housing law. From the outset, it had a particular emphasis on anti-social behaviour matters. The firm has grown significantly and its team includes several lawyers from housing management backgrounds. With a national reputation for excellence, Whiteheads’ client base ranges from small providers of specialist support and care to the largest social landlords in the country. It is actively involved with a number of housing sector organisations. Notable clients include Places for People, Hyde Group, Raglan Housing, Affinity Sutton, First Wessex, Harvest Group, Contour Group, Liverpool Housing Trust, Plus Dane, Yorkshire Housing Group, Carr Gomm and Catalyst.
The firm has developed a series of accredited housing law courses for the University of Chester and its training courses include equipping housing managers to effectively deal with anti-social behaviour. The practice is regularly asked by sector organisations such as HouseMark and SLCNG to speak at their conferences and events.
Developments in the past year include the implementation of Alternative Fee Arrangements to provide improved clarity and transparency. The firm has further strengthened its relationships in the housing sector and has been appointed to a number of legal panels.
Types of work undertaken: Whiteheads specialises in all kinds of issues relating to social housing.
Anti-social behaviour expertise ranges from drafting notices of seeking possession and anti-social behaviour injunctions, to parenting orders and Section 222 Local Government Act injunctions. The firm specialises in providing services to RSLs and the police. General possession expertise includes action for rent arrears and breach of tenancy and, as a last resort, eviction. Dispute resolution services include mediation as well as comprehensive litigation services.
Asset management services include issues relating to managing the estate environment, Disrepair claims, gaining access to properties using warnings, injunctions and where required possession proceedings.
Leasehold management expertise ranges from advice on the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act to lease development and renewal and shared ownership.
Income maximisation is a particular area of expertise including applications to court regarding rent arrears, general debt recovery and rent increase and review.
Compliance advisory services are provided in areas such as fire regulations and health and safety. In addition the firm provides property services ranging from site acquisition and development to plot sales, as well as management agreements, funding and securitisation.
Whiteheads intends to broaden its range of services in the social housing sector in order to further strengthen its effectiveness for clients. The practice will seek to deliver cost and efficiency savings while maintaining a high quality and responsive service.
Breakdown of work %
Anti-social behaviour 60
Tenancy management 11
Disrepair 11
Property 9
Compliance and business risk 1
Training 8
Number of UK directors 2
Number of other UK fee-earners 11
Above material supplied by Whiteheads Solicitors Limited.