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.
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.
View amended articlePeople 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.
View amended articleUniversal credit capital rules
3 March 2025
The Social Security (Income and Capital Disregards) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 disregard compensation payments made under the Ministry of Defence's LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme for income and capital assessments under housing benefit and universal credit. The regulations bring the change into effect from 28 February 2025.
View amended articleRight 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.
View amended articleRelationship breakdown in a tenancy
27 February 2025
This new page covers the rights and options of occupiers after a relationship breaks down in private or social rented accommodation.
View amended article