About Us
We are a small team and we look after our clients. All our services are online, so we can help you no matter where you live.
Free Consultation with a Housing Expert
Sparrowhawk Legal
Dedicated to helping you with your Housing Issues!
At Sparrowhawk Legal we champion the rights of tenants while safeguarding responsible landlords. Founded in 2022, our virtual practice is dedicated to addressing the critical issue of housing disrepair in a modern, accessible way.
We understand that a safe and comfortable home is a fundamental right. Our team of specialist solicitors is passionate about helping tenants navigate the complexities of housing disputes, ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. We pride ourselves on our empathetic approach, listening to each client’s unique story and working tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes.
We also recognise the importance of protecting good landlords from unjust claims. Our expertise allows us to provide tailored advice and support, ensuring that landlords can manage their properties with confidence and integrity.
Being a virtual firm allows us to operate with flexibility and efficiency, reducing overhead costs and passing those savings onto our clients. It also means we can serve clients across the country, breaking down geographical barriers to access quality legal support.
We believe in transparency and communication. Our commitment to keeping clients informed at every step of the process sets us apart in the legal field. We leverage the latest technology to provide seamless consultations and updates, making the legal journey as smooth as possible.
Join us as we strive for justice and fairness in housing. Whether you’re a tenant facing disrepair issues or a landlord looking for reliable guidance, Sparrowhawk Legal is here to support you every step of the way.
Mission
To empower tenants in their fight for safe and habitable living conditions while providing conscientious landlords with the support they need to navigate the legal landscape. We strive to create a fair and just housing environment, ensuring that everyone has access to the rights they deserve.
Goal
To achieve positive outcomes for our clients through expert legal representation. We aim to resolve housing disputes efficiently and effectively, minimising stress for tenants and landlords alike. By fostering a culture of trust and transparency, we work diligently to build lasting relationships with our clients.
Core Values
We are committed to integrity, empathy, and excellence in all that we do. We value open communication and collaboration, believing that the best results come from understanding each client's unique circumstances.
Get Started Today
If you are a private tenant and would like to discuss your housing issues with us, please give us a call or book a call at a time to suit you!
Meet your Housing Disrepair Team
We are a small team, but that only makes us stronger. We don't take on volume workloads and we like to look after our clients. We all understand just how stressful living in a home that's not safe and well maintained can be and we are here to help you!
Kelly Victoria Thorn
Managing Director
Nichola Turpin
Head of Housing Disrepair
Sarah Southworth
Client Care and Operations
FAQ's
We hope this information is useful, but if you have any further questions, please contact us.
What services does Sparrowhawk Legal offer?
At Sparrowhawk Legal, we specialize in providing legal support for tenants facing housing disrepair issues and offering guidance to responsible landlords. Our services include dispute resolution, legal advice, and advocacy aimed at ensuring safe and comfortable living conditions.
How can I access your services if I live outside of your local area?
As a fully virtual practice, we serve clients nationwide. Our online consultations and services allow us to assist you no matter where you are located, ensuring you receive the support you need from the comfort of your home.
What should I do if I am facing housing disrepair issues?
If you are experiencing disrepair in your home, contact us for a consultation. Our team will listen to your situation, provide tailored advice, and guide you through the process of resolving your issues effectively.
How do you support landlords?
We offer responsible landlords tailored advice and support to help them manage their properties confidently. Our expertise ensures that landlords are equipped to handle disputes and protect themselves from unjust claims.
What makes Sparrowhawk Legal different from other legal services?
We pride ourselves on our empathetic approach, transparent communication, and commitment to keeping clients informed throughout the legal process. Our virtual format allows us to operate efficiently and reduce costs, passing the savings onto you.
Can I join the "Women and Family Tenant Support" Facebook group?
Yes! Our Facebook group is open to anyone seeking support related to housing challenges. It’s a safe space for sharing resources, experiences, and advice. We encourage you to join and connect with others facing similar situations.
Do you help tenants with private landlords?
Yes. Wherever possible we will always help clients who have private landlords. We also help the good private landlords out there who are being targeted by disreputable claims management companies.
How much do you charge?
Our fees are usually covered by a no win no fee agreement in respect of housing disrepair claims and our success fee is capped at 33%. For landlords we offer a tailored fee structure dependent on the complexity of the case and the stage of the matter.
How do I get started?
To get started, simply reach out through our website or contact us directly for an initial consultation. We’ll discuss your situation and how we can assist you in achieving the best possible outcome.
Is It Acceptable to Use Toilet Paper to Test an Extractor Fan?
When it comes to assessing the functionality of extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms, relying on a piece of toilet paper is not only inadequate but also unprofessional, especially in an expert witness report submitted to the court.
Understanding Extractor Fans
Extractor fans play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. They are designed to draw moisture-laden air out of rooms, venting it outdoors. This process helps eliminate cooking odors, reduces humidity levels, and prevents the onset of condensation-related dampness and mold. If these fans malfunction, they can be a contributing factor to moisture problems within a property, making their effectiveness a vital consideration in any dampness diagnosis.
The Limitations of the Tissue Test
A common practice among some surveyors is to hold a piece of tissue paper against the extractor fan to see if it adheres. This method, however, only demonstrates that there is some airflow. It does not provide a reliable measure of the fan’s efficiency or extraction capability.
The recommended minimum extraction rates for bathroom fans are 15 liters per second, while fans located away from cooking appliances should achieve a minimum of 60 liters per second. If the fan is positioned over a cooking appliance, a rate of 30 liters per second is acceptable. These thresholds are essential for preventing the buildup of moisture that can lead to condensation.
Accurate Measurement with Anemometers
To accurately assess the performance of an extractor fan, professionals use an anemometer. This instrument measures the actual airflow rate, providing precise data on whether the fan is operating effectively. It's important to note that extractor fans can become obstructed by debris or may wear down over time, compromising their functionality.
Relying on a piece of tissue paper does not yield meaningful results and can lead to misleading conclusions. Additionally, different brands of toilet paper come with varying weights and qualities, which could skew results—a phenomenon humorously referred to as the "Cushelle factor."
The Importance of Reliable Evidence
For experts in housing condition claims, providing accurate and reliable evidence is paramount. The use of proper testing methods not only supports professional integrity but also ensures that findings are robust and defensible in legal contexts.
In summary, while the tissue paper test may seem like a simple and quick method, it falls short in providing the necessary validation of an extractor fan's performance. For credible assessments, employing the right tools and methodologies is essential in the realm of housing disrepair expertise.
Testing extractor fan with an anemometer
Sparrowhawk Legal Ltd | Registered in England and Wales | Registered Company No: 14507943 | Registered office: 5th Floor 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PF | Tel 0204 581 9300
Sparrowhawk Legal Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 8004127
Sparrowhawk Legal is a trading name of Sparrowhawk Legal Ltd.
© Copyright 2024. Sparrowhawk Legal. All rights reserved.