Connect with today’s Speakers 

Samantha Grix | Partner

020 7880 4307
samantha.grix@devonshires.co.uk

Samantha advises Private Registered Providers and Local Authorities across a spectrum of matters affecting the social housing sector including Housing Management and has specialist knowledge of rent regulation.

Regulation

a. Rent Regulation

Samantha leads on rent regulation and advises both private Registered Providers and local authorities (RPs) of all sizes. She has in depth knowledge of rent regulation, both historical and present, as well as the overarching regulatory framework applicable to RPs.  Samantha regularly advises RPs on compliance, self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing and advises on and undertakes investigations in respect of complex rent regulation matters. In doing so, Samantha works collaboratively with clients and third-party consultants to determine the cause and extent of the issue as well as providing pragmatic advice to rectify the issue and prevent it from occurring again. Samantha also regularly trains clients and Boards on rent regulation.

In addition to the above, Samantha advises on validity of rent increase notices, acts for RPs in challenges to the First Tier Tribunal and advises on interpretation of rent increase provisions in tenancies and leases.

b. Consumer Standards

Samantha also advises clients on the Consumer Standards and is adept at providing pragmatic and straightforward advice on compliance and how to remedy identified breaches.

Examples of her experience, include advising RPs on their duties to engage with and involve their tenants, often in the context of disposals and transfers, and drafting and/or advising on consultation documents. The Tenancy Standard is also something Samantha advises on, on a regular basis and this often dovetails with her rent regulation work.

Samantha has built a team around her which has allowed the practice to be well serviced and to thrive.

Sharon Thandi | Associate

020 3880 2653
sharon.thandi@devonshires.co.uk

Sharon specialises in corporate, governance and regulatory advice and primarily works with registered providers of social housing (RPs) on a variety of matters that range from incorporation and registration as RPs, through to dealing with regulatory intervention and partnership working with third parties.

Sharon advises clients across the housing, charities and third sectors on their corporate and company secretarial needs, including providing training and support to boards and executive teams on their regulatory compliance and a range of other legal issues.

She also advises on establishing and reorganising group structures, strategic governance advice and reviews, co-operative and community benefit society law, general company law and charity law.

Sharon qualified as a solicitor in 2017. She joined Devonshires in 2022. Sharon has worked in the social housing and charities sector throughout her career.

Sharon has a range of experience including advising on housing association group restructures and mergers and acquisitions, including amalgamations, transfers of engagements, conversions and due diligence processes.