What's new on Shelter Legal
The pages on Shelter Legal are updated regularly to reflect changes in the law.
This page lists the most recent updates to Shelter Legal.
Witness statements
28 June 2022
This page has been updated with a new section on vulnerable parties and witnesses in court proceedings, including the provision introduced on 7 June 2022 (147th update) which allows the court to conceal the address and contact details of a vulnerable party to protect their identity.
View amended articleBenefit cap
28 June 2022
This page has been updated to add payments under the Cost of Living Support package announced on 26 May 2022 to the list of payments and benefits that do not count towards the benefit cap.
View amended articleDebt relief restrictions and DRROs
27 June 2022
This new page explains what restrictions a person is subject to during a debt relief order (DRO) moratorium period. It covers extended restrictions imposed as a result of debt relief restrictions orders and undertakings.
View amended articleHomeless rights checker
20 June 2022
This new interactive tool helps you check what type of homeless help someone can get based on their immigration or residence status. The tool covers eligibility under the Housing Act, Care Act and Children Act. It also covers information about legal aid for help to challenge decisions, and whether a person has a right to rent from a private landlord. The answers include legal references and practical guidance on what to check to confirm a person's status.
View amended articleRent in advance, deposit and premium fees
20 June 2022
This page has been updated to clarify that a payment that meets the definition of a premium under the Housing Act 1988 is a prohibited payment under the Tenant Fees Act.
View amended articlePeople from abroad who are eligible for homeless assistance
10 June 2022
From 10 June 2022, the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons Subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2022/601 amend the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) Regulations 2006/1294. They add a new Class of people eligible for homelessness assistance and for an allocation of social housing. People who have been granted limited leave to remain under Appendix Ukraine Scheme of the Immigration Rules following an application for leave made from within the UK are eligible for homelessness assistance as Class O and for an allocation of social housing as Class N. These changes were set to come into force on 22 June 2002 by mistake. The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (England) and Persons Subject to Immigration Control (Housing Authority Accommodation and Homelessness) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2022/626 has corrected the error to bring the coming into force date forward. The statutory guidance on the allocation of social housing, and the homelessness code of guidance have been updated.
View amended articleUndue influence in guarantor agreements
8 June 2022
This new page explains how a defence of undue influence could be available to a guarantor who felt pressured by the debtor.
View amended articleChallenging guarantees for credit agreements
8 June 2022
This new page explains how guarantors for credit agreements are protected under the Consumer Credit Act and Financial Conduct Authority rules.
View amended articleChallenging guarantees for tenancies
8 June 2022
This new page explains how a guarantor for a tenancy could defend a money claim if the tenant does not pay their rent or causes damage to the property.
View amended articleLegal aid for housing problems
6 June 2022
Following a consultation, the government has announced that the existing Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme will be replaced by a new Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service. The service will provide early legal advice before court, as well as advice and representation at court. Providers can give advice on social welfare law to people who have received a notice seeking possession. The new service will start from April 2023.
View amended article