Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Unipol Student Homes, 155-157 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 3ED

An Introduction to the Law and Student Housing

Suitable for large-scale providers and operators of student accommodation, particularly relevant to the higher education sector and the purpose-built privately owned student accommodation sector. 

Please note because of the nature of this training, the majority of the content is based on English law and may not be applicable in other legal jurisdictions. 

This course is provided for those wanting to really understand the legal aspects of managing student accommodation – not just how things should be done, but why. Delegates will be introduced to the main legal concepts in renting, and will come away with an understanding of how to work within the law and avoiding exposing their organisation to time-consuming complaints or legal action. 

Some reviews from Hilary's previous training sessions include:

"Hilary is absolutely superb the content was spot on & relevant & she always manages to covey the information so you can relate to it in the right context"

"An expert and a professional but also a great humour makes the day informative and enjoyable"

"Hilary is a highly knowledgeable and professional trainer. It was a privilege to be able to attend her session (although it went by so quickly!). She  explained and interpreted concepts and terms in a way that trainees could easily understand, spoke at a normal speed so trainees had enough time to digest information before moving on to the next topic. She also used practical examples that were relevant to trainees' day to day roles, which made the session much more engaging and fun."

Spaces Available

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Agenda

9.50am - 10.00am          Arrival 

10.00am - 10.15am        Welcome and Delegates Introductions

10.15am - 11.15am        Make or Break? 

                                      How Tenancies are started and ended:

          • negotiating the minefield of inchoate, executory and conditional contracts
          • landlords’ and tenants’ rights of termination and the formalities required to bring them about
          • the importance of having the end in sight when entering into a tenancy agreement

                                     Renters (Reform) Bill – proposals for change

 

11.15am - 11.25am        Questions and discussion

 

11.25am - 11.40am        Break

 

When things Go Wrong – Student Support and Dealing with Serious Incidents

 

11.40am - 12.30pm          Fining and Charging in Student Accommodation:

          • understanding the differences between fining, charging and claiming compensation
          • how to decide whether a fine is appropriate and enforceable
          • how to calculate compensation (payable by or to students)
          • are fixed charges a thing of the past?

 

12.30pm – 12.40pm        Questions and discussion

 

12.40pm – 1.30pm          Lunch

 

1.30pm – 3.00pm             Student Support and Serious Incidents: Dealing with students, the authorities where offences / anti-social behaviour are suspected or detected on site, and dealing with welfare concerns

          • Landlords’ duties
          • Powers of the authorities
          • Students’ rights
          • Wellbeing concerns and data protection
          • Drugs

 

3.00pm – 3.30pm             Questions and Concluding Remarks

 

3.30pm                             Ends     

Speakers

Hilary Crook, Hatch Legal

Hilary Crook is a solicitor with over 25 years’ experience of advising universities and other organisations working in and with the higher education sector.  She qualified as a trainer through the Hotel and Catering Industry Training Board, and is one of Unipol’s regular panel of speakers.

Hilary has earned recognition in the legal sector, both in the Legal 500 and Chambers Directory.  The firm she founded, Hatch Legal, is winner of the Global Law Experts’ boutique category: Commercial Property Law Firm of the Year in England - The North West – 2019.

Outside the conference room, Hilary runs a busy law practice advising on a range of student accommodation issues, from nomination agreements and head leasing to student misconduct and dissatisfaction.  Her expertise in landlord and tenant law is complemented by her knowledge of consumer law, data protection, equality and human rights, as well as a down-to-earth approach to negotiating and problem-solving.  She has a wealth of experience of adjudicating tenancy deposit disputes.

Details

The course has been tailored to the needs of the purpose-built student accommodation sector and its particular characteristics, so avoids much of the general information covered in landlord legal training that is not relevant to student housing.   The “Make or Break” session is also relevant to private sector landlords and letting agents with portfolios of properties that are not in large complexes.

The course has been designed to include in-depth materials combined with group work and round table discussion to give delegates the chance to consider their own situations and ask questions.

At the end of this course you will:

  • Understand the legal framework for private renting in England – the Assured Shorthold Tenancy regime – and how it is about to change
  • Understand when and how legally binding contracts are formed and terminated
  • Be aware of the new building safety regime and how it will change the way you do things
  • Understand how to ensure tenant wellbeing whilst complying with data protection law
  • Have the ability to make sound choices and judgements when faced with a number of common scenarios in student accommodation
  • Be aware of how to avoid mistakes and poor management practices that lead to costly and time-consuming legal claims
  • Have improved confidence when dealing with tenants, parents and building owners

This course covers topics that will help you avoid important legal pitfalls and give you confidence when carrying out your role.  Please note because of the nature of this training, the majority of the content is based on English law and may not be applicable in other legal jurisdictions. 

Benefits to you:

  • Develop and refine your understanding of the law to enable you to comply with legal requirements and avoid costly mistakes
  • Expand your knowledge, grow your expertise and ensure you follow good practice
  • Feel confident to deal with a number of common issues
  • Opportunities for networking

Benefits to your organisation:

  • Equip your team with the knowledge they need to make effective business decisions, deal with problems as they arise and head off problems before they arise

 

How is the course delivered?

Each session will include learning materials, case studies, exercises and the opportunity to discuss the topic with other delegates and the trainer. Aimed specifically at staff working in student accommodation and lettings, it will also provide a valuable opportunity for networking and sharing experiences with other colleagues in the sector.

 

This will be a stimulating and informative course, allowing the active involvement and participation of delegates.

Cost per delegate

Friends of Unipol Rate - £295

Normal Delegate Rate - £360

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