by Diane Astin
An appreciation by Elizabeth Robson Taylor MA of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister”, and Mediator
There can scarcely be a housing lawyer in England who does not have a copy of Housing Law Handbook. First published in 2008, this now well-known and highly regarded work of reference by dedicated author Diane Astin has rapidly acquired a reputation for its authority, reliability, and practicality. Certainly, it has become a necessity for those grappling with the complexities of this often bewildering and essentially sensitive area of law.
And now the Handbook has emerged in a new and updated fifth edition which references the almost seismic events that have impacted on housing issues, within which, as the author reminds us, recent events have wrought certain profound changes: first Brexit and the impact of global warming, then the COVID-19 pandemic and, most recently, the tragedies and economic uncertainties caused by the war in Europe.
Such has been the impact of these events that fundamentally, incomes have fallen, while prices and the costs of housing have relentlessly increased. The author points out that ‘although the levels of poverty in the UK have worsened in recent years, the main provisions of housing law have not changed significantly in 30 years’. For lawyers and advisers then, this Handbook provides a reassuring source of information and authority within an undeniably complicated legal landscape.
The Handbook’s 21 information-rich chapters include such areas as occupiers’ rights: basic principles ... unlawful eviction and harassment by landlords ... disrepair and housing conditions – action by occupiers and local authorities ... and much more, including at least seven chapters which cover homelessness, social housing, and community care. The final chapter on civil proceedings – which includes two appendices – deals with such areas as the Civil Procedure Rules and costs, as well as ‘the usual steps in a civil claim’.
Case law abounds, with all cases boxed and highlighted to aid accessibility. And in this updated edition, recent judgments and key legislation are discussed, including the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Tenant Fees Act 2019 and Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
As a formidable reference resource, the Handbook is reassuringly written in a user-friendly way in keeping with the publishing traditions of the LAG. Very easy to navigate it is too, with a detailed table of contents, extensive footnoting, numbered paragraphs throughout and a 25-page index. Also note the 48 pages of tables: of cases, statutes, and statutory instruments, plus an alphabetical – and very handy – list of abbreviations.
For all busy lawyers or advisers dealing with the often-daunting complexities of housing law, this book is an essential purchase. Note also, that it is applicable to English law only.
The date of publication of the fifth edition of this LAG paperback is cited as 21 December 2022.