It has been almost four years since Karen Buck MP, Justin Bates and I first conceived of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Bill (version 1), and it has been quite the rollercoaster since then. Now, as of today, 20 March 2019, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, (version 2, or 4, depending […]
Author Archives: Giles Peaker
Forthcoming…
In case you needed reminding (and don’t worry, there will be another reminder), the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 comes into force for new tenancies this coming Wednesday, 20 March. Our thumbnail guide is here and some thoughts on ‘fitness’ in relation to Section 1 Defective Premises Act 1972 cases here. And MHCLG […]
Job ads – Norwich
Shelter Solicitor up to £36,304 pa (depending on experience) + excellent benefits including flexible working and 30 days holiday Norwich Closing date: 7 April 2019 at 11.30 pm If you’re a qualified solicitor who is passionate about standing up for people’s rights and committed to achieving positive outcomes for clients, Shelter’s legal team is the ideal […]
Getting a policy wrong – Housing Act 2004 enforcement in Hull
Humber Landlords Association v Hull City Council (2019) EWHC 332 (Admin) (not on Baiili yet, copy of the judgment here). There are many unfortunate ways for claimants to lose a judicial review. But being told that your challenge is based on you getting the policy you are challenging wrong is up there in the ‘somewhat […]
Broken windows and temporary repairs.
Blue Manchester Ltd v North West Ground Rents Ltd [2019] EWHC 142 (TCC) I’m not going to go into great detail on this case, despite its various enticing complications – an iconic new Manchester building (pictured above), Carillion (the contractor on construction) going into receivership, and the idiosyncratic view of the Manchester weather of HHJ […]
Job ad – Slough
Shelter Solicitor £37,485 pa depending on experience + excellent benefits including flexible working Slough Closing date: 25 March 2019 at 11.30 pm For a qualified and passionate housing solicitor with a sound knowledge of legal aid and a strong commitment to our cause, this is an amazing opportunity to join Shelter as a Solicitor in our […]
Bits of news and things to respond to.
Assorted things… MHCLG have published guidance for tenants, landlords and local authorities on the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 – or as they call it, ‘the Homes Act’. There are separate guidance documents for tenants, landlords and local authorities, all available here. On the tenant guidance, I would add before taking proceedings, try […]
On sewer covers, gardens and responsibilities
Rogerson v Bolsover District Council (2019) EWCA Civ 226 A court of appeal case on when the landlord’s duty under section 4 Defective Premises Act 1972 is engaged and whether there is any duty to inspect. Ms R was Bolsover DC’s tenant. The property was a house with a front garden. The tenancy began in […]
Rights and Right to rent
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, R (On the Application Of) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (2019) EWHC 452 (Admin) (For transparency, I acted for one of the interveners, the Residential Landlords Association, in this case.) This was a judicial review claim by JCWI of the Right to Rent Scheme, as […]
Job Ads – Central London
University of London Housing Services University of London Housing Services seeks a Housing Advisor for a full time, permanent position. Salary: Starting from £31,401 (Grade 6 CTS) Closing Date: 31-Mar-2019 Interview date: 10th April Do you have a passion for helping others, sense of justice and an enthusiastic and innovative approach? Apply for the role […]
