In the 2009 edition of Chambers says "Marsons enjoys a superb reputation in the region for its ample resources in the social housing sector, its key area of work. The group is particularly well known for its strength in housing management litigation, and its neighbouring commercial property department is on hand to assist the group's social housing clients when necessary." Mary Martil is once again profiled as a leader in the social housing field and praised for being "down to earth and approachable" and for "always keeping her eye on the bigger picture".

Much of the team's work involves anti-social behaviour. In addition, they conduct possession proceedings in connection with regeneration and development, rent and service charge arrears, illegal sub-letting, squatters and unauthorised occupiers. They defend claims alleging disrepair, unlawful eviction, and disability discrimination, while also advising on housing policy and giving general tenancy advice.

In keeping with the firm's values, and because of their solid grounding in housing issues, our Social Housing team appreciate our clients' changing needs and the sensitive political landscape in which they operate. Team members bring commercial acumen, coupled with a social ethos, to their handling of the problems faced by social housing clients thereby achieving speedy and cost effective solutions. Our aim is to resolve situations quickly, at the lowest cost to clients and where possible without resorting to litigation.

We give added value by providing bulletins, newsletters, seminars and legal surgeries to keep clients fully updated on the changing legal environment in which they operate.

We provide bespoke training programmes for our clients to meet the particular needs of their staff. Mary Martil provides training to the whole social housing sector through organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Housing. Mary is one of the founding members of the Social Housing Lawyers Association.

Our work includes:

• Anti-social behaviour
• Possession proceedings relating to breaches of tenancy conditions, including sub-letting and false statements
• Unauthorised occupier proceedings
• Section 21 proceedings including in relation to the start of tenancies
• Possession proceedings in relation to regeneration and redevelopment, home loss payments and suitable alternative accommodation
• Gas servicing and other access injunctions
• Recovery of rent and service charge arrears
• Leaseholder service charge disputes and Leasehold Valuation Tribunal matters
• Disrepair claims
• Drafting of tenancy documentation
• Review of policy documents

Reported Cases

 

Shine v English Churches Housing Group [2004] EWCA Civ 434

L.B of Lambeth & Hyde Southbank Homes Ltd v O'Kane [2005] EWCA Civ 1010