Housing Law Handbook (3rd edition)

This book is a practical reference point for housing lawyers. It covers an impressive range of topics, including mortgage enforcement, homelessness and Welsh housing law. Its structure makes it easy to navigate, while providing sufficient references to allow the reader to pursue further research if needed. 

The chapters dealing with possession are particularly well structured. They guide the reader from the general framework and wider process through to more detailed and technical issues explored in dedicated chapters focused on specific grounds and defences. This makes the handbook useful for providing a general overview or for checking a familiar point.

This edition is especially valuable as it is one of the first texts to reflect the changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act. The act largely operates by amending existing legislation, which makes it challenging for practitioners to identify how an existing statutory provision or process has changed. The chapter on the act, together with references throughout the book to its effect on specific areas, will be valuable to lawyers navigating the new regime.

References to authorities are included in the main text rather than in footnotes, which makes it easier to read without interrupting the flow.

Given the breadth of topics covered, there is naturally some limitation on the depth that can be achieved in individual areas. Practitioners will still need to consult primary sources or specialist texts on more complex issues, but that is not surprising for a handbook of this scope.

Neli Borisova is a senior property litigation associate at JMW Solicitors LLP, London