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Most of my career has been spent working in-house for social landlords and I also have experience of working for tenants whilst in private practice. There are of course tenant friendly Judges, just as there are (rightly in my view) Judges who will throw the proverbial book at someone causing anti-social behaviour.

I agree with the Law Society that the present County Court system is best placed for dealing with landlord and tenant disputes, but that more investment is needed.

One Housing Officer (who was my client when I was in-house) said she wasn't going to tell the Judge that the 80 year old Defendant had Dementia as she knew she wouldn't get a possession order. I also know of tenants who go on luxury holidays instead of paying their rent.

This should not be a 'them and us' situation, but an opportunity for landlord and tenant representatives to work together to try and make the present system work for us.

Also Anon at 14.21, when I have acted for landlords the CAB and Shelter have frequently represented tenants. I have found them nothing other than professional and hard working. In the hundreds of cases I have had, there hasn't been the slightest suggestion they were 'spinning things out'.