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
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.
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!
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!
We hope this information is useful, but if you have any further questions, please contact us.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recent statistics reveal a significant uptick in landlord possession claims compared to last year. The total number of claims rose from 23,389 to 24,874, marking a 6% increase. Orders also saw a rise from 17,644 to 18,154 (3%), while warrants escalated from 10,503 to 11,407 (9%). Repossessions increased from 6,501 to 6,864, reflecting a 6% uptick. This trend emphasizes the growing difficulties landlords are encountering in reclaiming their properties.
Accelerated procedures have experienced notable growth across all categories: claims are up by 7%, orders by 5%, warrants by 15%, and repossessions by 13% compared to the previous year. This trend highlights the necessity for landlords to remain proactive and updated on changing legal standards.
The average duration from claim to repossession has now extended to 24.1 weeks, an increase from 22.4 weeks in 2023. This change illustrates ongoing challenges within the judicial system that impact landlords seeking prompt resolutions.
The time taken to complete landlord actions has increased for both orders and warrants this quarter, following a general decline since Q3 2021. Current timelines are as follows:
Claims to Order: The median duration has risen to 8.1 weeks, a 0.4-week increase from the same period last year.
Claims to Warrant: Median time has grown to 16.1 weeks, up from 15.3 weeks in the previous year.
Claims to Repossessions: Median duration has increased to 24.1 weeks, compared to 22.4 weeks last year.
Possession claims have risen across all regions, with both private and social landlord claims concentrated heavily in London. The borough of Barking and Dagenham has the highest rate of private landlord possession claims, with 844 claims per 100,000 private landlord households.
From January to March 2024, the regions with the highest rates of private landlord repossessions per 100,000 households are:
Burnley: 196 per 100,000 households
Newham: 173 per 100,000 households
Bexley: 171 per 100,000 households
Five of the top ten boroughs with the highest rates of private landlord repossessions are located in London. Burnley, Newham, and Bexley are particularly notable for their high levels of eviction activity.
Court delays can be exceptionally frustrating for landlords who may have already faced lengthy waits for possession dates. According to the Civil Procedure Rules, a possession claim must be resolved within a minimum of 28 days and a maximum of 8 weeks from filing. However, as the statistics indicate, landlords may experience even longer waits.
The recent abolition of Section 21 Notices raises concerns about the added pressure on the court system. All accelerated claims now require a hearing, further burdening an already strained judicial system. The Labour Government has yet to address the backlog of possession claims or expedite the eviction process, focusing instead on the swift elimination of Section 21 Notices.
Given the ongoing delays, it is crucial for landlords to seek reliable and timely legal advice to ensure their claims move efficiently through the court system. Errors in documentation or insufficient evidence supporting the grounds for possession can lead to costly delays and complications.
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