Hull based housing charity is seeking legal advice on licence agreements for shared housing project.

What do they need help with?

Giroscope is seeking legal advice in relation to the use of licence agreements across its shared housing properties. The charity currently uses a licence agreement drafted by Mayer Brown in 2016 through LandAid’s pro bono programme. However, following staff training on the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act, the organisation has concerns about whether licence agreements will remain appropriate for shared housing settings.

The charity was advised during training that providers may need to move away from licence agreements and instead use periodic tenancy agreements for individual room lettings. Giroscope is concerned about the practical implications of this approach within its shared accommodation model, where residents often do not know one another before moving in.

The organisation works with a diverse range of vulnerable residents, including people who have experienced homelessness, young people, women fleeing domestic abuse, migrants and refugees, and people on low incomes. In some cases, residents may display disruptive or challenging behaviour shortly after moving in. Under the current licence arrangement, Giroscope has been able to respond quickly to protect other residents and maintain safe shared living environments.

The charity is therefore seeking specialist legal advice on:

• Whether its existing licence agreement can continue to be used within shared housing settings under the Renters’ Rights Act.
• Whether the current agreement requires amendments or updates to comply with forthcoming legislation.
• The legal and operational implications of moving from licence agreements to periodic tenancy agreements in shared properties.

Giroscope manages 148 properties across West Hull, providing homes for more than 400 people. The requested support would help the charity continue delivering affordable, supported housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, while maintaining safe and sustainable shared living arrangements.

Timeline

As soon as possible

About the organisation

Giroscope is a housing charity based in West Hull that purchases and renovates empty and rundown properties to provide affordable homes for people in housing need. Established in 1986 by a group of students and unemployed young people frustrated by poor-quality housing, the organisation has grown from renovating four shared houses to managing 148 properties that accommodate more than 400 people.

Alongside housing provision, Giroscope delivers a volunteer and training programme that provides practical work experience, skills development and support to help people move towards employment and independent living. The charity supports a wide range of individuals, including people who have experienced homelessness, young people, women fleeing domestic abuse, migrants and refugees, and people facing financial hardship.

Working in an area of high deprivation and unemployment, Giroscope takes a personalised, wraparound approach that addresses both housing need and wider barriers such as social isolation, poor mental health and low confidence. LandAid has previously supported the organisation to create 18 bedspaces for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

https://giroscope.org.uk