Anonymous Case
Submission
Submit your housing case for independent legal review. No name required. No personal details shared.
What We Do
- Review the facts of your housing situation
- Identify potential legal grounds for challenge
- Signpost to specialist solicitors and legal aid
- Explain your rights under housing and public law
- Provide written guidance within 10 working days
What We Never Do
- Share names or identifying details without explicit consent
- Publish personal information in any form
- Charge for initial case review or guidance
- Provide formal legal advice (we are not solicitors)
- Pass your details to third parties
This portal uses no tracking cookies and is not connected to any analytics platform. Submissions are reviewed solely by trained coalition volunteers. If you choose to provide contact details, these are stored only for the purpose of responding to your case.
Types of Case We Review
Our volunteers have experience across all major areas of housing and homelessness law. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, submit anyway — we will let you know.
Homelessness Decision
Challenge a council decision that you are not homeless, or that you are intentionally homeless. You have 21 days to request a review.
Temporary Accommodation Refusal
If you have been refused temporary accommodation while your homelessness case is assessed, this may be unlawful.
Housing Allocation Challenge
Challenge unfair banding decisions, exclusions from the housing register, or allocation scheme breaches.
Council Procurement Complaint
Concerns about how housing contracts have been awarded, including direct awards without competitive tender.
Housing Disrepair & Rights
Disrepair affecting health and safety. Unlawful eviction. Harassment by a landlord. We can advise on all housing conditions issues.
Other Housing Legal Matter
Not sure where you fit? Submit your case and describe your situation. We will assess and advise on the best avenue.
Case Submission Form
All fields marked with a * are required. You are not required to provide your real name at any point.
Submit Anonymously
Your submission goes directly to our volunteer legal review team. No name or contact details are required.
What is Judicial Review?
Judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body — such as a local council. It is not an appeal on the merits of a decision, but a challenge to the way the decision was made: whether it was lawful, fair, and rational.
In housing cases, judicial review can be used to challenge homelessness decisions, unlawful allocation policies, failures to provide interim accommodation, and — critically — decisions about public spending and procurement that affect housing provision.
Grounds for Judicial Review
Illegality
The public body acted outside its legal powers, or failed to apply the correct legal test.
Irrationality
The decision was so unreasonable that no reasonable authority could have reached it (Wednesbury unreasonableness).
Procedural Unfairness
The decision-maker failed to follow fair procedures — for example, not giving the affected person an opportunity to be heard.
Human Rights
The decision violated rights under the Human Rights Act 1998, including the right to a private and family life (Article 8).
Your Housing Rights
Under English housing law, you have clear statutory rights. Local authorities have enforceable duties. These are not discretionary — they are legal obligations.
Right to a Housing Needs Assessment
Any person who presents as homeless or threatened with homelessness has a legal right to have their housing needs assessed by the local authority under the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017).
Right to Interim Accommodation When Homeless
Where a local authority has reason to believe a person may be homeless, in priority need, and not intentionally homeless, it is under a duty to provide interim accommodation while the full assessment is carried out (s.188 Housing Act 1996).
Right to Challenge Homelessness Decisions (s.202 Review)
If you disagree with a council's decision about your homeless status or housing duty, you have the right to request a review within 21 days under s.202 of the Housing Act 1996. Further appeal to the county court on a point of law is available under s.204.
Right to Legal Aid in Housing Cases
Legal aid is available for many housing cases, including homelessness, unlawful eviction, and judicial review. Eligibility depends on means and merits. Contact your nearest housing solicitor or Citizens Advice to check your eligibility.
Useful Resources
These organisations offer free or low-cost help with housing law. We recommend all of them.
Legal Aid (Gov.uk)
Check if you qualify for legal aid in housing, homelessness, and judicial review cases.
www.gov.uk/legal-aidBrighton & Hove Citizens Advice
Free, independent advice on housing, debt, benefits, and employment. Drop-in and appointment service available.
www.cabrightonandhove.orgShelter England
Free housing advice, legal information, and advocacy. Shelter solicitors can represent you in many housing cases.
england.shelter.org.ukHomelessness Rights
Detailed guides to your legal rights if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness under English law.
homelessrights.org.uk