From the high-calibre housing team at Garden Court Chambers, Tim Baldwin is an accomplished Barrister. Tim is known for his fierce commitment to his work for a myriad of clients facing various housing difficulties: from people in social housing, to Gypsies and Travellers. 

Here Tim outlines challenges and remedies associated with “The Suitability of Accommodation” under The Housing Act 1996. He explains the mechanics of the statutory duty that local authorities have to provide suitable accommodation, which is relevant to a variety of cases and clients. He highlights useful references, case law, and guidance throughout. 

Key words/topics

The Housing Act 1996

The Suitability of Accommodation

Ravichandran v Lewisham LBC [2010] HLR 672, CA

Judicial Review

Public Law grounds

R (Bano) v Waltham Forest LBC [2025] EWCA Civ 92

R (Zaher) v City of Westminster [2003] EWHC 101 (Admin)

R (Aguiar) v LB Newham [2002] EWHC 1325 (Admin) JR

Human Rights

R (on the application of Elkundi) v Birmingham City Council; R (on the application of Imam) v Croydon London Borough Council [2022] QB 604

R (Princess Bell) v London Borough of Lambeth [2022] EWHC 2008 (Admin)

R (on the application of Imam) v LBC Croydon [2023] UKSC 45; [2023] 3 WLR 1178

R(Begum) v Tower Hamlets [2024] EWHC 2279 (Admin)

R(RR) v Enfield LBC [2024] EWHC 2501 (Admin)

Article 8 EHRC

R (on the application of Bernard) v London Borough of Enfield [2002] EWHC 2282 (Admin)

R (TMX) v London Borough of Croydon & Anor [2024] EWHC 129 (Admin) 

Anufrieva v Southwark LBC [2003] EWCA Civ 1406

(Fayad) v SSHD [2018] EWCA Civ 54

Aiseran [2017] EWHC 3289 (QB)