What have you been up to recently?
Since it was announced that the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is due to be implemented in July this year, my focus has been on the Act and the steps Landlords should be taking to prepare for the changes. It’s an exciting time for housing in Wales, with the biggest changes in decades being introduced. I’m looking forward to assisting Landlords further with these changes.
In addition to the above, in light of the recently published Spotlight on: Damp and Mould, It’s not Lifestyle Report, I have assisting Landlords with Housing Ombudsman matters. It’s been great to see Landlords taking a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould, updating policies and procedures and creating a new policy specifically dealing with damp and mould. With the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 requiring homes to be fit for human habitation, Landlords in Wales should also be taking a zero-tolerance approach to damp and mould.
Tell us about your career so far:
Having grown up in Wales, I began my legal career at Hugh James Solicitors in Cardiff, recovering care home fees wrongly paid by residents in nursing and care homes. My parents own a small property development business, building, redeveloping and renting homes in the Cardiff/Newport area. Growing up, I’d regularly accompany my Dad at weekends, helping out on site or searching for potential new projects. From that, came my passion for housing.
When I relocated to London 9 years ago, I knew that I wanted to specialise in property law. During my training contract, I was introduced to the world of housing management and have never looked back. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to work with both Housing Associations in England and RSLs in Wales.
I love how varied the work is, no two days are the same. The law is always changing, as we’ve seen with the introduction of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. I’m excited for what’s to come and to play my part in assisting Landlords with those changes.
What do you enjoy most about working in Housing Management Law?
The people! I love working with our clients, providing assistance that leads to people living more peacefully and comfortably in their homes. I’m also extremely lucky to be part of a fantastic, knowledgeable, supportive team of housing lawyers here at Devonshires. I am very grateful for both and look forward to what the future holds!
For more information, please contact Victoria Smith.
