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.

Hollie Symon

Southend-on-Sea SS2 6HZ

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Southend-on-Sea

13 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

Hollie obtained her LLB (Hons) in 2009, before passing the Legal Practice Course with distinction in 2010 at Anglia Ruskin University. Hollie undertook her training contract at an Essex firm and qualified as a solicitor in 2012. Hollie...

Ratika PURI KAPUR

London NW1 5RA

Social welfare and housing Solicitor London

3 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

Ratika qualified as a solicitor and admitted to the roll of Solicitors by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on 17th September 2001. She is an internationally acclaimed lawyer with an established career spanning over 23 years of in-depth...

Jennifer Owusu-Barnieh

Middlesex HA1 3RA

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Middlesex

15 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

Jennifer Owusu-Barnieh is a senior solicitor and co-founder of Danbar Solicitors, based in Middlesex. With over 15 years of experience, she is a highly skilled lawyer specializing in employment law, civil litigation, family law, and immigration matters. As...

Helen Boynton

Wigan WN6 0HQ

Social welfare and housing Solicitor Wigan

28 years of experience

Does not accept legal aid

I joined Pilgrim Hope Solicitors as a Consultant Family Lawyer in 2019. I qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 1997 and I have specialised in the area of matrimonial and family law...

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,...