Meet our team / Rebecca Sembuuze
Rebecca Sembuuze
Associate
Associate in the housing litigation team
My role
I am an associate in the housing litigation team. I assist registered providers in connection with all aspects of housing litigation. This includes possession claims based on anti-social behaviour, breach of tenancy and trespass as well as injunctions, both on notice and without notice, whether for anti-social behaviour or other breaches of tenancy/lease or safety issues. I have advocacy experience predominantly in the County Court but also in the Magistrates Court and first-tier tribunal. I provide detailed advice to our clients on a wide range of tenancy related issues. I support and supervises junior members of the team with a passion to upskill and encourage their development.
My experience
I have worked in the area of social housing litigation since I started at Anthony Collins Solicitors as a legal assistant in 2007. I have expert knowledge of a broad range of litigation issues faced by registered providers of social housing. I run a varied caseload including possession and injunction claims, many of which are defended and involve complex issues such as mental capacity, Equality Act defences and proportionality defences. I have a practical approach, built up over my years of experience in the sector, which ensures that I will advise on the whole aspect of a matter, not just the strictly legal issues. I have excellent advocacy skills and conduct my own hearings in the County Court, and where necessary (for example a closure order or youth injunction), the Magistrate’s Court.
My specialisms
- Possession claims
- Injunction claims
- Access issues
- Anti-social behaviour
- Trespass
Blog
My latest articles
Disability discrimination by taking ASB injunction proceedings
Rosebery Housing Association Ltd v Williams & Anor - This recent county court case provides helpful food for thought when it comes to anti-social behaviour (ASB) injunctions involving disabled tenants
Defended possession claims and directions at first hearings
Must a defended possession claim at first hearing be adjourned with directions?
UPDATE: Stay on possession claims – The blanket stay is here to stay
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a court rule known as a Practice Direction 51Z (or PD51Z) was made on 26 March 2020 and came into force on the following day.