Niamh O'Brien

Career

Niamh has specialised in housing law since 1999, acting for local authorities, housing associations, private landlords, tenants and the homeless. She has particular expertise in the areas of homelessness, judicial review, disability discrimination, anti-social behaviour, right to buy, shared ownership, housing fraud and HMO licencing.

Notable cases:

• Cetin v Epping Forest District Council [2025] UKUT 196 (LC) : Represented the Respondent local authority in appeal which concerned the liability of a ‘let only’ agent for breach of HMO licencing requirements.

•Fybrace v London Borough of Lambeth (2022): Successfully represented the Defendant local authority in its application for summary judgment in a claim based on direct and indirect disability discrimination,

• Bibi v London Borough of Hackney (2021): Niamh successfully represented the local authority in high-profile housing dispute which was preventing the start of multi-million-pound redevelopment.

• Guiste v London Borough of Lambeth [2020] HLR 12 (CA): Represented Lambeth in the Court of Appeal in an appeal which considered the issue of vulnerability in the context of priority need for accommodation.

• Circle 33 Housing Trust v Nelson [2014] EWCA Civ 106: Successfully represented the Claimant landlord at the subsequent trial.

When representing landlords Niamh’s aim is always to find the most practical and cost effective way for her clients to achieve their goals.

When representing tenants she is acutely aware of the need to have particular care to the emotional aspect of the litigation, whether it involves preserving their existing housing rights or addressing their current housing needs.