Associations 'Vulnerable To Challenge Over RTB Exemptions'

Housing associations could be vulnerable to judicial review if they refuse to sell tenants the homes they are living in under the extended Right to Buy. This is the warning from leading barristers commissioned to provide a legal opinion on the Right to Buy extension, known as the Voluntary Right to Buy (VRTB). Kelvin Rutledge QC and Ashley Bowes of Cornerstone Barristers said that legally housing associations may be free to exempt large amounts of stock – or even their whole portfolio – under the scheme. But they warned that tenants may have “grounds and standing” to challenge these exclusions in court. Access the report via the Future Housing Review website.

Bedroom Reclassification Could Lead To Refinancing

A top housing barrister warned landlords could trigger a repricing of their stock by reclassifying the number of bedrooms in their property. Dean Underwood, head of the housing team at Hardwicke Chambers said the move, which had been considered by some landlords to prevent tenants under-occupying, was not without risk. ‘Financial institutions are looking for any excuse to refinance loans they have with social landlords, and reclassifying could be one,’ he said. Mr Underwood cast doubt on the strength of recent successful bedroom tax tribunals to survive appeal. Read more on Inside Housing.