What's new on Shelter Legal

Court and tribunal fees

8 April 2025

Some court fees increased on 8 April 2025. These include the fee for an application on notice where no other fee is specified, which has increased to £313. The fee to hide an address from the Individual Insolvency Register has increased to £318. This and related pages have been updated.

Housing benefit calculation rates 2025 to 2026

7 April 2025

This page contains housing benefit calculation rates for 2025 to 2026 including applicable amounts, treatment of capital, disregards, non-dependant and other deductions.

Recovery of housing benefit overpayments

7 April 2025

Challenges to accommodation suitability

2 April 2025

In Ofori-Addo v London Borough of Haringey [2025] EWCA Civ 277, the Court of Appeal considered the scope of a local authority decision under a section 202 suitability review. The court found that the local authority was not obliged under the suitability review to consider what other duties might be owed towards the applicant.

Dwellings exempt from council tax

28 March 2025

This new page explains when a dwelling can be exempt from council tax if it is unoccupied or vacant, used for a specified purpose, or occupied by certain categories of people. This content was produced in partnership with Shelter's Specialist Debt Advice Service.

Claims against landlords for non-compliance with deposit protection rules

28 March 2025

In Lumsden v Charles [2025] EWCC 7, the County Court held that a former tenant could not rely on the address the former landlord had provided under section 48 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 to serve a valid tenancy deposit claim. The court found that section 48 did not apply to a former tenant and former landlord relationship. The landlord's address had changed, and the claim form was void.

Chargeable dwellings for council tax

28 March 2025

This new page covers which properties are classed as dwellings for the purpose of council tax, including caravans, mobile homes, boats, annexes and HMOs. This content was produced in partnership with Shelter's Specialist Debt Advice Service.

When main housing duty ends

14 March 2025

In Bano v London Borough of Waltham Forest [2025] EWCA Civ 9, the Court of Appeal considered when a local authority can end the main housing duty after making an offer of accommodation. The court found the local authority was not required to issue a further notification of its decision to end the main housing duty after the applicant refused a private rented sector offer. The applicant had the right to a section 202 review of the decision to end the main housing duty once the offer of accommodation was made.

People with EU pre-settled status eligibility for homeless assistance

11 March 2025

The Homelessness Code of Guidance has been updated with guidance on eligibility decisions for people with pre-settled status. Paragraph 7.35 of the Code states local authorities must consider whether finding someone with pre-settled status to be ineligible would be a breach of their rights under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. This means considering whether the person’s right to dignity would be violated. A breach might occur if a person is unable to meet their most basic housing needs or has no means of meeting those needs. This update follows the Court of Appeal's decision in SSWP v AT [2023] EWCA Civ 1307.

Right to manage for leaseholders of flats

3 March 2025

The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act (Commencement No.3) Regulations SI 2025/131 amend the definition of qualifying premises for which leaseholders of flats can form a right to manage company. From 3 March 2025, qualifying premises include properties where less than 50% of the building is used for non-residential purposes. The previous threshold was a maximum of 25% non-residential space.