Do I Qualify for Legal Aid in a Housing Case? (5 August 2025)

Legal aid is a government-funded scheme designed to help people who cannot afford legal representation. It ensures access to representation for those facing serious legal problems but lacking the means to pay for a solicitor.

In housing cases, legal aid is often available. Whether you're facing homelessness, living in unsafe housing, or being threatened with eviction, having access to legal support can make the difference between losing your home and protecting your rights.

What Types of Housing Cases Are Covered?

Legal aid is available for a range of serious housing issues. You may qualify if your case involves:

• Homelessness or risk of homelessness
  If you’re already homeless or likely to lose your home within 56 days, you may be entitled to urgent legal help.
• Possession proceedings
  If your landlord  is trying to evict you, legal aid can help defend possession claims, bring a counterclaim against your landlord or negotiate a solution.
• Unlawful eviction
  If you’ve been forced out of your home without a court order or proper notice, legal aid may cover a claim for unlawful eviction.
• Severe disrepair in rented properties
  If your home is in poor condition, unsafe to live and poses a risk to your health or safety, legal aid can support you in getting essential repairs done.

Financial Eligibility – Means Test

To qualify for legal aid, you must also meet the financial eligibility criteria, known as the means test. This assessment looks at your income and capital to determine your eligibility.

How Duncan Lewis Can Help

Duncan Lewis' Housing team, ranked by The Legal 500 directory as a Top Tier practice for its services, offers both publicly funded (legal aid) and privately funded legal services from 14 key offices nationwide. Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors can guide clients in their legal aid assessment.

With a niche expertise in unlawful eviction, disrepair and homelessness matters the team offers representation in all proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review proceedings.

Watch video two of our Housing team’s campaign on the topic here:

About the Author

Manjinder Kaur Atwal is recognised by the Chambers & Partners legal directory as a UK-wide notable practitioner, offering strength across a wide range of social housing matters, including interim relief and homelessness applications. She heads a Housing Team ranked Tier 1 across the South East by The Legal 500 for its "excellent knowledge of the law" and "extensive experience". The department is recognised as a market-leader in all areas of social housing and property litigation including disrepair, unlawful evictions, homelessness, possession disputes, and complex judicial review matters.

Contact Manjinder via email at ManjinderA@duncanlewis.com, or by telephone at 02031141269.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors crowned LexisNexis Law Firm of the Year 2024, continues to set benchmarks in the legal industry. Celebrated for its successes at the Modern Law Awards 2024 and recognised by The Times, the firm stands out for its innovative practices and commitment to legal excellence. Specialising in housing law among other areas, Duncan Lewis tailors its award-winning services to effectively meet the evolving needs of its diverse client base.