Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council v Hickin [2012] UKSC 39 We reported this case in the Court of Appeal here. Briefly Ms Hickin was the daughter of joint tenants of Solihull and had lived in the house since she was born. The father moved out some 9 years...
Squatting: The MoJ Guide
We have had a lot to say about squatting. In fact those of you who are quick may even be able to see one of the authors of the blog on television talking about it today! With the new legislation criminalising squatting due to come into force at the weekend...
The Deposit Alignment
Johnson v Old, Brighton County Court We have not yet written about this case even though the first instance decision was reported in Legal Action. As it turns out this has been useful as the original decision, as written up in Legal Action has been set aside...
JL and the Second Bite of the Cherry
Our previous report on the possession claim in Defence Estates v JL and another [2009] EWHC 1049 (Admin) can be found here. There now follows a judicial review of the decision to enforce the possession order made in that claim: JL v SS for Defence [2012]...
Injunctions for accommodation, judicial review and prospects of success
This is case that highlights the benchmark for seeking an injunction for accommodation on a judicial review claim R (on the application of Bates) v Barking & Dagenham LBC (2012) QBD (Admin) 17 August 2012 [Note of extempore judgment on Lawtel] Ms B had...
Suitability. On expired beds and shared bathrooms
Just how bad and inappropriate does temporary accommodation have to be to be unsuitable? There is an interesting post by David Thomas on the Anthony Gold 'Housing and Public Law' blog about a settled Judicial Review that highlights this issue. The challenge...
Shut that (undemised) door!
Is the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 still relevant in a landlord & tenant relationship, or not? Jasmine Alexander v (1) Freshwater Properties Limited (2) Christopher Place [2012] EWCA Civ 1048 This was an appeal, decided within a few days of Drysdale v...
Mind the Step 2 – The bannister that wasn’t
This is the second of two recent cases on Defective Premises Act 1972 and stairs (for the first see here). There is now a third case on Occupiers Liability Act 1957 with our note to come shortly. Patrick Joseph Hannon v Hillingdon Homes Limited [2012] EWHC...
The court of construction will not improve a document (A licence in this case)
IT IS NO PART OF THE COURT OF CONSTRUCTION TO IMPROVE A DOCUMENT HARRY FITZHUGH v ANTHONY FITZHUGH EWCA Civ 694 The Claimant and Defendant were brothers. They were joint administrators of their father’s estate. This consisted of a farm and land. Anthony and...
A couple of dates and some information short of a s.21 notice
This is a failed possession and tenancy deposit case now of largely historic interest, though the principles still largely hold true. There is also an interesting point on the period of the tenancy - contractual date v rent date. Our thanks to Legal Action's...
LVT issues – pre-summer holiday round up
This should - I hope - be the last leasehold property/LVT case round up for a few weeks. But it's a good one. I promise. Appeals. Service charges. Consultation. Right to Manage. Who needs "50 Shades" when you've got case-law to enjoy? Appeals Wellcome Trust...
On the Naughty Step – The tale of the kid in a tent
Courtesy of the Local Government Ombudsman and Shelter, we have joint and several occupants of the naughty step. Welcome to the Step to Kent County Council and Dover District Council. (I know that some of you read NL) The full and frankly shameful story is...