Housing Management & Property Litigation Brief
Issue 34
Mark Foxcroft
Partner
020 7065 1861
Welcome
Welcome to our latest HMPL Brief, this time with a fresh new look! It has been just over 6 months now since Lee and I took the helm and became joint heads of the HMPL team and it has absolutely flown by in a flurry of events and excellent client instructions! As we near the end of 2025, the sector is facing some of the most significant legal and regulatory changes in recent years. Awaab’s Law is now in force, introducing strict timeframes for social landlords to investigate and remedy damp, mould, and other serious hazards marking a pivotal shift in tenant safety obligations and enforcement risk. The Renters’ Rights Bill is nearing Royal Assent and promises to reshape the private rented sector. With the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, the move to periodic tenancies, and enhanced tenant protections, landlords must prepare for a new compliance landscape. Data protection also remains a critical issue and our excellent Data Protection and Information Law team are at hand to help navigate the complexities of the Data (Use and Access) Act and Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRS).
We also bring you in this Brief the ever-popular insights into what our expanding teams have been up to and we hope you also enjoy our Spotlight section on Nina in our Birmingham team and learn about her background and special skills! We also give you a brief glimpse into what our teams do when they are not working on your cases in our ‘Out & About’ section.
Enjoy the read!
Mark Foxcroft
To receive updates on topics relevant to you, at a frequency of your choosing, please subscribe to Devonshires Insights.
Housing Management & Property Litigation Brief: Issue 34
Welcome - Mark Foxcroft
Welcome to our latest HMPL Brief, this time with a fresh new look! It has been just over 6 months now since Lee and I took the helm and became joint heads of the HMPL team and it has absolutely flown by in a flurry of events and excellent client instructions! As we near the end of 2025, the sector is facing some of the most significant legal and regulatory changes in recent years. Awaab’s Law is now in force, introducing strict timeframes for social landlords to investigate and remedy damp, mould, and other serious hazards marking a pivotal shift in tenant safety obligations and enforcement risk. The Renters’ Rights Bill [is nearing Royal Assent] and promises to reshape the private rented sector. With the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, the move to periodic tenancies, and enhanced tenant protections, landlords must prepare for a new compliance landscape. Data protection also remains a critical issue and our excellent Data Protection and Information Law team are at hand to help navigate the complexities of the Data (Use and Access) Act and Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRS).
We also bring you in this Brief the ever-popular insights into what our expanding teams have been up to and we hope you also enjoy our Spotlight section on Nina in our Birmingham team and learn about her background and special skills! We also give you a brief glimpse into what our teams do when they are not working on your cases in our ‘Out & About’ section.
Enjoy the read!
Mark Foxcroft
To receive updates on topics relevant to you, at a frequency of your choosing, please subscribe to Devonshires Insights.
Content roundup
STAIRS Update: Consultation outcome now published
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) has published the outcome of its consultation on (1) the proposed Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRs) and (2) the accompanying draft direction to the Regulator of Social Housing (the Regulator); and an updated policy statement on STAIRs, based on the consultation responses.
Upper Tribunal clarifies leaseholder protections for unsafe cladding
Arecent decision by the Upper Tribunal (‘UT’) in Almacantar Centre Point Nominee No 1 Ltd and another v de Valk and others [2025] UKUT 298 (LC) has provided clarity on the scope of leaseholder protections under the Building Safety Act 2022 (‘BSA 2022’).
Social Housing publishes article: “Leasehold reform: implications for social housing providers”
Mark Foxcroft recently featured in Social Housing, writing an article on “Leasehold reform: implications for social housing providers”.
Court of Appeal Blocks Forfeiture after Lease Dispute Settlement
A recent decision clarifies the limits of enforcement following a lease dispute settlement.
Government releases Regulations: Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (‘Residential PEEPs’)
On 4 July, the Government laid The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025 (‘the Regulations’). These Regulations, which will come into force on 6 April 2026, aim to improve the fire safety and evacuation of residents in specified residential buildings in England.
Consultation announced: Strengthening leaseholder protections over charges and services
This consultation seeks to bring about proposals to implement aspects of Part 4 of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 ('LAFRA') and enact future reform on leasehold charges and services.
To receive more briefings and invitations from Devonshires, click here to join our mailing list.
020 7628 7576