Solicitor Social welfare and housing

Social welfare and housing law deals with the legal rights and entitlements of individuals who need assistance from local authorities or housing associations. It covers homelessness applications, housing benefit appeals, disrepair claims in social housing, and broader welfare benefits. If you’re struggling with inadequate housing, facing eviction, or disputing a benefits decision, a specialist solicitor can guide you through the often complex rules and regulations.

Catherine Watkins

Cwmbran NP44 1UG

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Cwmbran

29 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

Catherine Watkins is an experienced family and property lawyer based in Cwmbran & Barry and cover South wales & Bristol, with 29 years of legal expertise. Fluent in both English and Welsh, Catherine is a key member of...

What does social welfare & housing involve?

Homelessness assistance: Applying to local authorities for housing support, challenging unsuitable temporary accommodation, or appealing a homelessness decision.
Housing benefit and Universal Credit: Disputing eligibility or payment amounts, and navigating appeals processes if a claim is refused or reduced.
Social housing rights: Understanding your rights as a tenant of a council or housing association, including security of tenure and succession rights.
Disrepair and maintenance: Holding social landlords accountable for unsafe or unhealthy living conditions, and seeking compensation where necessary.
Evictions and possession proceedings: Addressing rent arrears, anti-social behaviour allegations, and legal defences to prevent unlawful evictions.

How can a solicitor help with social welfare & housing, and what does it cost?

A specialist solicitor or housing adviser can:

Provide advice and representation: Explaining your entitlements, filling in forms, and challenging negative decisions from councils or benefit agencies.
Negotiate with landlords and local authorities: Seeking repairs, preventing eviction, or improving living conditions through dialogue or mediation.
Appeal in court or tribunals: If negotiations fail, a solicitor can present your case before a judge or tribunal, ensuring legal procedures are correctly followed.

Costs vary based on the complexity of your case and whether legal aid is available. Some individuals qualify for legal aid, which can cover part or all of a solicitor’s fees in housing matters. Otherwise, rates typically range from £100–£300 per hour, though some firms may offer fixed-fee or reduced-fee arrangements for certain cases. An initial consultation—often free or at a low cost—can help you understand your options, likely expenses, and the best steps to secure safe, stable housing.

5 Solicitors (domaine de droit rattaché pour Social welfare and housing)

We recommend contacting one of the solicitors listed below, as their area of practice is relevant to your enquiry.

Amy Sutton

Manchester M3 2WJ

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Manchester

9 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

Amy Sutton is a dedicated residential conveyancer based in Manchester, with 9 years of experience in property law. Known for her award-winning service, Amy provides expert guidance in all aspects of residential conveyancing, ensuring smooth and efficient property...

Claire Bond

Hampshire PO16 7BL

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Hampshire

7 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

Claire Bond is a dedicated personal injury lawyer based in Hampshire with seven years of experience. She does not accept legal aid. Claire has built a strong practice representing clients in a wide range of personal injury claims,...

James Byrne

Stockport SK5 7DL

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Stockport

34 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

James Byrne is an experienced solicitor based in Stockport, with a career spanning over four decades. He graduated from Manchester University Law School in 1986 and qualified as a solicitor in 1990. Throughout his extensive career, James has...

Nilu Bhatti

Berkshire RG45 7AX

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Berkshire

33 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

I joined Rowberrys in 1999 as a Partner and have many years’ experience in all areas of law, but with particular focus on Family Law. I also handle other work for Rowberrys’ clients, including Personal Injury claims, Contract...

Angela Lally

Leeds LS25 5BQ

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Leeds

23 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

Angela Lally is a solicitor based in Leeds with 23 years of experience specializing in family law and divorce. She provides expert legal services tailored to matrimonial finances and family matters. In Family Law and Divorce, Angela advises...