The aim of this course is to equip learners with an overview of the knowledge and practical skills to support vulnerable households in the private rented sector. It will explore the key risks associated with this tenure, give an overview of the policy and legislative framework that protects tenants, and provide clear, actionable guidance on how frontline staff can respond effectively.
This spotlight session is designed for frontline workers and energy advisers who support vulnerable households, particularly in the private rented sector. It is especially relevant for those providing practical advice and support to tenants experiencing issues such as cold homes, high energy bills, damp, mould, and housing insecurity.
- Explain why vulnerable households are often at greater risk in the private rented sector.
- Describe how HHSRS, the Decent Homes Standard, Awaab’s Law, MEES, the Warm Homes Plan and the Renters’ Rights Act connect in practice.
- Recognise common issues such as cold homes, high bills, condensation, damp, mould and delayed repairs.
- Give practical advice on energy use, support schemes, landlord communication, escalation and referral routes.
- Introduction to vulnerability and risk in the private rented sector
- The “Healthy Homes” policy umbrella, including an introduction to:
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and hazard identification
- Fuel Poverty Strategy and its focus on affordability, vulnerability, and health
- Warm Homes Plan and its role in long-term housing improvements
- Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the private rented sector
- Decent Homes Standard and expectations of housing quality
- Awaab’s Law and the management of damp and mould
- Renters’ Rights Act and tenant protection from eviction
- The relationship between housing conditions, energy costs, and health impacts
Bringing it all together: understanding how multiple issues (cold, damp, affordability, insecurity) interact in real-life situations.
Please note that the course content will focus mainly on England and Wales. If you are based in Northern Ireland or Scotland and interested in this course, please contact trainingadmin@nea.org.uk before booking so we can discuss the main differences.
1.5 hour spotlight session
The course is delivered online via webinar.
Find out more
Webinars are delivered live by our expert tutors.
We typically use Zoom for our online sessions.
To join, learners will need a device with internet access and sound capability, along with a microphone and webcam to enable full participation.
As this is a spotlight session, speakers will not have the opportunity to answer questions throughout the session, but a contact e-mail will be provided following the session should you have any questions.
Once booked, learners should receive a confirmation of booking e-mail. Joining instructions will be sent the week before the course.
We offer a programme of open access webinars for individuals to enrol onto.
Yes, in-house/ group webinars can be arranged upon request. Please contact us for further details.
As this is a short spotlight session, this course is currently only available via webinar.
Funded places are available to non-commercial/ not for profit organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers that encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty.
This applies to to online delivery only.
After the session, learners will receive a brief summary sheet.
All courses and processes are assessed in line with BSI ISO 9001 quality management standards.
To maintain their effectiveness, courses are reviewed and updated on a regular basis. If you identify any gaps, inaccuracies, or areas for improvement, we encourage you to share your feedback with us.
If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss.
Fees and funded places
| Eligibility criteria for a funded place |
|---|
| FUNDED PLACES are available to non-commercial organisations based in England and Wales (such as local authorities, housing associations, advice agencies etc). Learners must also be frontline staff or volunteers that encounter and provide advice to those in or at risk of fuel poverty. Online delivery only. For those not eligible for a funded place, please select the relevant fee rate above for further details. |
| Not for profit organisation | Commercial organisation | |
|---|---|---|
| Open access webinar – per person | £55 plus VAT | £65 plus VAT |
| Group webinar – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
| In-person – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
| Not for profit organisation | Commercial organisation | |
|---|---|---|
| Open access webinar – per person | £65 plus VAT | £75 plus VAT |
| Group webinar – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
| In-person – per course | Contact NEA for details | Contact NEA for details |
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