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.
What does Unfit for Habitation Mean?
This is a judgment from a Circuit Judge about what it means for a home to be unfit for people to live in, based on specific laws. It seems to be the first time this issue has been discussed at this level. The company involved, Red Kite, tried to appeal the decision but was refused, so they might take it to a higher court.
Background: Ms. Jillians has been a tenant of a three-bedroom house since May 2013. When she moved in, she had eight children; by 2018, she had seven, and by 2021, she had six.
Ms. Jillians claimed that her landlord, Red Kite, did not keep the house in good condition as required by law. An expert found several problems, including:
Bedrooms: Mould growth.
Bathroom: Mould and a faulty electric shower.
Kitchen: Water damage and dampness, plus a faulty socket.
Exterior: A broken rear door and damaged fencing.
Red Kite defended itself by saying Ms. Jillians hadn't reported these problems properly, didn't allow access for repairs, and that the house wasn't unfit because of how many people lived there. They also claimed she owed them money for damages.
Counterclaim: Red Kite claimed Ms. Jillians owed them over £3,200 for repairs they said were due to her actions. However, during questioning, it was revealed that Red Kite hadn’t followed its own rules on charging for repairs and hadn’t properly informed Ms. Jillians about any charges. The court dismissed this claim entirely.
Main Claim: Ms. Jillians said she repeatedly reported the mould and damp issues over the years. Red Kite had no records to back up their claims that she hadn’t reported the problems. The judge accepted that Ms. Jillians had indeed reported these issues multiple times.
Expert Evidence: An expert identified the problems, such as poor insulation and leaks, that contributed to the mould. While Red Kite’s expert noted similar issues, they blamed Ms. Jillians’ lifestyle for the mould. However, Ms. Jillians maintained she followed the recommended practices to prevent mould, but it continued to worsen.
Tenant Conduct: Red Kite knew how many people lived in the house when they signed the tenancy agreement and couldn’t claim overcrowding as a problem. Even if there were occasional refusals for access, Red Kite had delayed necessary repairs.
Conclusion: The judge used other legal cases to define what "unfit" means for a home. They determined that the criteria for being “fit for habitation” should be based on the health and safety of the people living there.
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