Legal Governance and Representation Framework

The Landlord Association ("TLA") is an independent, not-for-profit Unincorporated Association operating within the jurisdiction of England and Wales. TLA exists to support tenants and landlords in understanding their rights and responsibilities under UK housing law. We offer dispute mediation, legal correspondence, resources, and advocacy relating to tenancy issues. This page outlines our legal foundation, governance documents, and authority to act on behalf of clients.

Our Legal Status

• Organisation Name: The Landlord Association (TLA)

• Type: Unincorporated Association

• Jurisdiction: United Kingdom (England and Wales)

• Legal Status: Not-for-profit body governed by a written constitution

• Registration: Not required under Companies House per UK government guidance (source)

• Year Established: 2001 (formerly located at landlordexpert.co.uk)
  

TLA operates under its constitution and within the framework of UK housing legislation. We do not claim regulatory status as a law firm but operate within the boundaries of authorised legal representation as a non-commercial association.

Authority to Act

TLA is authorised to act as a legal and administrative representative for tenants or landlords under express written instruction. This includes:

• Mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

• Legal correspondence with landlords, agents, and public bodies

• Advocacy in matters involving tenancy deposits, disrepair, and contract disputes

• Pre-litigation guidance in line with the Civil Procedure Rules and Pre-Action Protocols

We do not provide reserved legal services as defined by the Legal Services Act 2007, and we do not represent individuals in court proceedings unless permitted under lay representative rules.

Governance Documentation

To ensure transparency and accountability, we make our core governance and procedure documents publicly available:

✉️ View Our Constitution

✉️ View Our Dispute Mediation Protocol

These documents establish the Association's lawful standing, processes, and commitments.

Constitution of The Landlord Association

1. Name and Legal Status

The organisation (previously known as Landlord Expert (formerly www.landlordexpert.co.uk) shall be known as The Landlord Association, hereinafter referred to as "TLA." It shall operate as an unincorporated association and not for profit.

2. Purpose and Objectives

The objectives of the Association are to:

• Promote fair and lawful relationships between landlords and tenants

• Provide educational resources on landlord and tenant rights

• Offer representation and assistance in resolving housing-related disputes

• Facilitate mediation and promote access to justice through pre-litigation resolution

3. Membership

• Membership is open to individuals and organisations who support the objectives of the Association.

• Members must agree to abide by this Constitution and any regulations made under it.

• The Association may create different classes of membership and assign rights accordingly.

4. Executive Committee

• The Association shall be managed by an Executive Committee, which shall include:

  • Chairperson

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

  • Legal Liaison (as applicable)

• The Committee shall be elected annually by the membership.

• The Committee has authority to act on behalf of the Association in all matters.

5. Legal Representation Authority

• The Association, through authorised officers or representatives, may act on behalf of its members for purposes of dispute resolution and pre-litigation matters.

• Written consent from the member must be obtained prior to any such representation.

6. Meetings

• An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held once per year.

• Special Meetings may be called by the Committee or by petition of 10% of members.

7. Finances

• All funds shall be used solely to further the Association’s objectives.

• A bank account shall be maintained in the Association's name or an individual assigned to handle its financial affairs.

• The Treasurer shall provide an annual financial report at the AGM.

8. Amendments

• This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote at a General Meeting, provided members have received 14 days’ notice of the proposed changes.

9. Dissolution

• Upon dissolution, any remaining funds shall be donated to a housing or legal access charity selected by the Committee.

10. Liability

• As an unincorporated association, individual members of the Association may be personally liable for its debts and obligations unless indemnified.

Dispute Mediation Protocol

Purpose

This protocol outlines the steps and standards followed by The Landlord Association when providing mediation and pre-action support in housing disputes. It ensures compliance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims and encourages amicable resolution.

Scope

Applies to all tenant-landlord disputes submitted to TLA, including:

• Deposit disputes

• Property disrepair

• Breach of contract

• Unlawful deductions or eviction threats

Steps in the Mediation Process

1. Submission

• The complainant submits a signed instruction letter authorising TLA to act.

• Relevant documentation (e.g., tenancy agreement, inventory, communications) must be provided.

2. Review and Legal Assessment

• TLA assesses the legal merits of the case within 5 working days.

• Where appropriate, we issue a formal notice of mediation proposal to the respondent.

3. Communication and Timeline

• The respondent is given a defined deadline (typically 7–14 days) to reply.

• TLA may send reminders and note refusal to engage, which may later be presented as evidence in adjudication or litigation.

4. Resolution or Escalation

• If the respondent agrees to mediate, TLA facilitates written or verbal resolution.

• If no resolution is achieved, TLA supports the tenant in referring the matter to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and/or small claims court.

Ethical Standards

• All parties are expected to act in good faith.

• TLA representatives must remain impartial and follow evidence-based procedures.

• Confidentiality is maintained unless disclosure is legally required.
  
  

For any questions regarding our governance or dispute handling process, please contact:
legal@landlordassociation.org.uk
www.landlordassociation.org.uk