While Deborah is open to discussing any projects that align with her expertise, she currently has a significant interest in two area specific areas: the Renters’ Rights Bill and tenant anti-social behaviour.

With the Renters’ Rights Bill expected to be given royal assent in 2025, stakeholders within the rented housing sector will be spending the next few years getting to grips with the most significant changes to the sector that England has seen in over 30 years. Organisations will need to be ready to adapt to these changes, ensuring they have a clear understanding of the operational impact and also the implications of non-compliance.

During the previous government Deborah was part of a working group which aimed to help shape key parts of the Renters Reform Bill (from which the current bill originates) and highlight the unintended consequences, and potentially damaging impacts of certain provisions within that bill.

Deborah is currently developing RRiAct™, a comprehensive tool that will map all aspects of the Renters’ Rights Act as it becomes law and develops over time.

Since 2020, a significant portion of Deborah’s work has focused on advising housing providers for social housing, purpose-built student accommodation and build-to-rent accommodation, regarding tenant anti-social behaviour. The volume of this work increased significantly during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns.

She worked with providers to obtain anti-social behaviour injunction orders, possession orders and alternative pre-legal solutions. She advised on developing their ASB related policies and procedures and also spent time educating those within the wider sector on ASB procedure, including publishing articles and delivering training sessions and talks on the subject.

Deborah is currently working on an ASB project which ties in with the upcoming changes to the Renters’ Rights legislation.