Social Housing

The barristers at Manchester-based Cobden House Chambers offer representation to landlords and tenants in a range of housing matters. They act for clients in a variety of anti-social behaviour cases, possession claims and injunction proceedings. Members of the set are well versed in the Equality Act 2010. One client says: "No matter what issue or technical point I throw at Cobden House Chambers' barristers, they have the answer and appear to have no bounds to their expertise." Another client notes: "The set is very knowledgeable, produces excellent pleadings and provides sensible advice as to tactics." A work highlight for the year was Dalton v Forhousing Limited, a case involving the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

"The clerks will always try to accommodate any requests."

"Christina Crook, senior civil clerk, and Mitch Bibby, civil clerk, are superb clerks who go over and above what I have experienced at other chambers. They are efficient and easy to deal with."

"The clerks are quick to come back to you and are always helpful."

Gary Lewis is a talented junior receiving instructions on behalf of landlords and tenants in a range of social housing matters. Possession proceedings, homelessness cases and disrepair claims are among his areas of expertise. "Gary is extremely knowledgeable and a tenacious advocate. He is friendly, approachable and well trusted by clients." "Gary is an exceptional barrister to work with. His knowledge, dedication and tenacity make him one of the best in the business." "His level of client care and vision on cases is outstanding."

Sam Keeling-Roberts is a well-regarded chancery and commercial junior whose broad practice includes a specialism in housing disputes. He acts for both claimant and defendant clients in connection with an impressive range of matters including anti-social behaviour orders and possession claims. "Sam Keeling-Roberts is knowledgeable in the housing space, provides sensible advice and is good with clients." "Sam has a vast array of knowledge in all aspects of housing law. He is very easy to deal with, and clients always feel they are in a safe pair of hands with him." "Sam Keeling-Roberts is a delight to instruct and deal with."

Paul Whatley has considerable experience advising both landlords and tenants, including local authorities, individual landlords and public and private sector tenants. His practice takes in the full range of housing law matters, and he has deep experience in possession, disrepair and trespass claims. "Paul has a wealth of housing knowledge including on technical and complex issues. He is always available to chat through a case and help find a solution." "Paul is a very good advocate."

Anna Short has a broad housing practice with expertise in anti-social behaviour, possession claims and disrepair matters, among many others. "Anna Short is good technically and she is sensible."

Lucie Wood has a strong social housing practice acting for both landlords and tenants. She has significant experience in unlawful eviction, disrepair and selective licensing appeals. "Lucie is superb. She is the perfect blend of knowledge and pragmatism. She is meticulously prepared, she gets results and clients have always been impressed with her." "Lucie Wood is a formidable advocate and fights the clients' corners."