National law firm HBJ Gateley Wareing will hold a seminar this month on how Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) can manage and avoid complex disputes as well as looking at the alternatives to court action.

Recent figures published by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman highlight the challenges faced by RSLs, with 323 complaints lodged against housing associations in 2009 – 10.

Social housing experts from the firm will outline how to prevent costly disputes, ranging from construction to rent arrears issues and provide advice on how to resolve situations quickly when disputes cannot be avoided.

Susan McDonald. Senior Associate, at HBJ Gateley Wareing said: “In today’s economic climate, Registered Social Landlords face an unprecedented challenge to deliver high quality affordable homes in a highly competitive market.

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“At a time when RSLs are already stretched, disputes surrounding rent arrears and construction add a significant extra pressure.

“At this seminar, our team will discuss strategies on how to avoid disputes arising and if they do occur, the measures that can be taken to settle the situation as quickly as possible."

In the recent Legal 500 league table – the respected UK legal directory - HBJ Gateley Wareing’s social housing and regeneration department maintained their top Tier 1 position. The team work on a number of high profile deals, including advising Dunedin Canmore Housing Association on the acquisition of multi-development sites in Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian.

The seminar will be held on Wednesday 17th November at HBJ Gateley Wareing’s offices at Exchange Tower, 19 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EH. The event begins at 9.30am, finishing at 12.30pm and will be followed by a buffet lunch.

To register for the event please visit www.hbjgateleywareing.com/news-and-events/events/item/social-housing-and-regeneration-seminar-programme

(GK)