‘A Practical Guide to Homelessness Law in England’ by Amandeep Bains

Description

‘A Practical Guide to Homelessness Law in England’ is a handbook for lawyers and advisers handling homelessness cases in England. Combining legal analysis with practical insight, this guide takes readers through the full lifecycle of a homelessness application under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 as amended by the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, from first approach and assessment through to review, appeal and judicial review.

Authored by an experienced housing lawyer, the book explains the legal duties imposed on local housing authorities and the issues that regularly arise in homelessness casework. Readers are guided through the statutory framework, the relevant guidance and the key case law, with a focus on identifying unlawful decision-making and securing effective remedies for clients.

Comprehensive and accessible, this book is an essential reference for lawyers and advisers acting for homeless applicants and local authorities alike.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amandeep Bains is a solicitor at Duncan Lewis Solicitors specialising in housing law and property litigation. He has extensive experience acting for individuals and families in homelessness applications, statutory reviews, county court appeals, judicial review proceedings and higher court litigation, with a particular focus on challenging decision-making by local housing authorities. He holds an LLB (Hons), an LLM with a specialism in homelessness law, and the LPC, and is recognised for his commitment to access to justice and is included on the pro bono list for England and Wales (2026).

CONTENTS

PART 1 – FOUNDATIONS OF HOMELESSNESS LAW
Chapter One – The Purpose and Framework of Homelessness Law
Chapter Two – The Legal Duties in Detail

PART 2 – CORE STATUTORY TESTS
Chapter Three – Eligibility and Immigration Status
Chapter Four – What Counts as Homelessness
Chapter Five – Priority Need
Chapter Six – Intentional Homelessness
Chapter Seven – Local Connection and Referrals

PART 3 – PROCEDURE, DECISION-MAKING AND REMEDIES
Chapter Eight – Making a Homelessness Application
Chapter Nine – Temporary and Interim Accommodation
Chapter Ten – Reviews and Appeals
Chapter Eleven – Judicial Review
Chapter Twelve – Good Practice and Practical Guidance