Representing a social housing landlord in a possession claim against an unrepresented tenant

Rachel acted for a Landlord provider of social housing which had issued possession proceedings against a vulnerable tenant on various grounds including damage to the property.

The Landlord had been informed that the tenant had moved away and was not expected to attend court.  Unexpectedly, the tenant did attend and was in an agitated, distressed and sometimes aggressive state.  Rachel dealt with them sensitively but robustly, using her negotiation and client care skills to good effect.  The matter was adjourned so that the tenant could obtain legal advice but Rachel was able to negotiate and obtain permission from the Court for the Landlord to enter the property in the meantime in order to assess the damage and undertake repairs.