Craig Leigh addressed delegates at the Liverpool Law Society Housing Conference 2026 this week, delivering a practical case law update focused on recent developments in housing conditions and disrepair litigation.
The session explored a number of significant recent decisions affecting practitioners acting for tenants, landlords and housing providers, including issues surrounding section 21 notices, protocol compliance, expert evidence, track allocation and costs recovery.
Cases discussed included:
- Muca v El Amrani [2026] EWCA Civ 515 – addressing section 21 notices and gas safety compliance
- Duffy v Birmingham City Council [2026] EWCA Civ 146 – concerning detailed assessment proceedings and default costs certificates
- Court v Beyond Housing Limited – revisiting the principles in Birmingham City Council v Lee
- Lancastle v Curo Group Ltd [2025] EWCC 48 – considering protocol compliance and expert instruction
- Fishwick v Gentoo Group Limited and Matthews v Nottingham City Council – addressing allocation in housing conditions claims
The presentation focused not only on the decisions themselves, but also on the practical implications for practitioners involved in housing conditions litigation and social housing disputes.
Commenting following the conference, Craig said:
“A number of recent decisions have provided important clarification on issues including allocation, protocol compliance, expert evidence and the operation of section 21 in housing matters.
The session focused on the practical implications of those decisions and how they are likely to affect litigation strategy and day-to-day practice moving forward.”
The Liverpool Law Society Housing Conference brings together practitioners and professionals working across housing law and related litigation matters from across the region and beyond.
