In my most recent project, I am working to help a family fight for their home.
The young family of seven lived in privately rented accommodation with poor conditions. When they complained about the property's condition and the health hazards it posed, they were served with an eviction notice.
The family resisted the eviction, claiming it was a revenge eviction under Section 33 of the Deregulation Act 2015. However, this has proven difficult. Despite the law protecting against revenge evictions, local authorities are reluctant to enforce it, resulting in many people losing their homes.
My client faced the same issue. When she complained to the authorities to secure protection from retaliatory eviction, the authorities refused to apply the law.
This inaction is typical for most authorities. This is wrong and unlawful, and we have begun the process of changing this attitude through a judicial review complaint.
Permission has been granted for the judicial review, and we are now seeking funding for it. This complaint is crucial for renters in England and Wales. If we are successful, it will strengthen renters' rights and reduce homelessness in England.
A successful lawsuit may even lead to compensation for renters who have suffered injustice at the hands of local authorities regarding complaints under Section 33 of the Deregulation Act 2015.