Department profile
Osbornes Law

Social Housing: Tenants

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Osbornes Law

Rankings

About

Provided by Osbornes Law

Osbornes Law has one of the largest social housing and social care specialist legal teams in London. The department is made up of some of the most experienced solicitors in their field who undertake cases involving housing, community care issues and also welfare benefits.

Our specialist housing solicitors help people, every day, who are experiencing housing problems with their local authority or private landlords.

We act for housing association tenants, leaseholders, private tenants, homeless people.

We are committed to assisting people with a wide range of needs, circumstances and from all backgrounds to achieve the best possible results.

We represent clients in a wide range of housing and social care matters including:

  • Housing disrepair
  • Homelessness
  • Evictions
  • Property and Tenant disputes
  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Challenging age and care assessments
  • Judicial Reviews
  • Welfare Benefits Appeals

Led by two high skilled housing solicitors - William Ford and Shilpa Mathuradas, the team is recognised for its cross practice expertise in housing and community care and represents vulnerable adults, individuals with language challenges and the elderly.

The department holds a public funding contract and represents individuals eligible for legal aid. 

Based in London, with offices in Camden and Hampstead, has a national and international reach. For over 45 years, the firm has worked to protect and fight for its clients. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Social Housing: Tenants - UK-wide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Osbornes Law represents tenants in the full variety of housing law matters, including issues of possession, eviction, disrepair and anti-social behaviour. The team is also experienced in homelessness and community care issues, as well as public law and judicial review claims. It regularly assists migrants and other vulnerable clients. It is also equipped to provide advice on welfare benefits.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Osbornes Law represented three clients in judicial review proceedings against Lambeth Council for prolonged failure to provide suitable accommodation, including the breach of a High Court order to do so. The case resulted in permanent social housing offers being made to the clients and a public judgment against the Council.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • A strong team with real knowledge of the practice area.

    Social Housing: Tenants respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1William Ford
    Band 1William Ford

    William Ford

    William Ford is experienced in representing tenants in disrepair and possession claims, as well as homelessness appeals and judicial reviews concerning allocation of housing.
    • William is a real expert in his field.

      Social Housing: Tenants respondentUK
    • William Ford is a legend. He is really knowledgeable, determined and tenacious.

      Social Housing: Tenants respondentUK
  • Band 3Edward Taylor
    Band 3Edward Taylor

    Edward Taylor

    Edward Taylor often acts for vulnerable clients on disrepair and homelessness claims as well as cases concerning unsuitable accommodation.
  • Band 3Sarah Waller
    Band 3Sarah Waller

    Sarah Waller

    Sarah has substantial experience defending clients in possession proceedings and housing-related anti-social behaviour injunctions. She also regularly advises on homelessness matters and suitability of accommodation. Her practice includes a particular focus on judicial review cases.

    • Sarah's approach is highly intelligent, sensitive to the vulnerability of the tenant, supportive to them and highly professional. She goes the extra mile for clients.

      Social Housing: Tenants respondentUK
    • Sarah is an extremely competent litigator and a complete pleasure to deal with.

      Social Housing: Tenants respondentUK
  • Associates to watchAlex McMahon
    Associates to watchAlex McMahon

    Alex McMahon

    Alex McMahon routinely represents tenants in possession and disrepair proceedings, and has further experience handling disability discrimination and anti-social behaviour matters.

    • Alex McMahon is very committed to this area.

      Social Housing: Tenants respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Osbornes Law (4)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Osbornes Law

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