My role
I am a partner in our housing management team of 14 and co-lead our housing litigation services. I provide specialist advice to social landlords on all types of housing-related litigation and advice, review policies and procedures, devise and enjoy delivering training and assisting landlords in handling serial complainers and the regulator’s serious detriment investigations. I have run numerous appeal and judicial review cases on leading housing law issues over the last decade.
I am also a deputy district judge (DDJ), sitting part-time in county courts in the Midlands’ circuit.
My experience
I am ranked a Band 1 social housing lawyer in the Chambers 2019 legal directory, described as “brilliant” and “highly enthusiastic, practical and experienced”. Legal 500’s reviews say my “no-nonsense approach to litigation also gives [her] real gravitas in the sector”. I was elected to the Social Housing Law Association national committee in August 2017 and also joined the trustees of a small international children’s charity, Global Care, based in Coventry.
‘Jonathan Cox and Helen Tucker are stand-out partners. They both have great experience, knowledge and judgement and commitment to their clients.’ Legal 500, 2021
‘She is incredibly knowledgeable, forthright and a pleasure to work with. “She’s excellent – extremely dedicated and very client-focused.’ Chambers and Partners, 2021
“She gives extremely good, practical advice.” – Chambers and Partners, 2022
My specialisms
- Housing litigation
- Housing management
- Harassment
Blog
My latest articles
‘A fairer private rented sector’ white paper 2022: Tenancy and possession changes
The Government has now published its long-awaited white paper: ‘A fairer private rented sector‘. Much to absorb and significant change ahead. It is now clear these changes will cover both […]
Possession proceedings and evictions – recent changes!
In 2020 the court rules were changed to require that all residential tenants must be given 14 days’ notice of an eviction. What happens though if the eviction is cancelled on the day?
Lessons to learn – RSH annual consumer review 19-20
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) issued its annual consumer review on 22 September 2020. Its 8th report covers the year 19–20 which saw them serve 15 regulatory notices - the highest number ever.
Right to shared ownership – help or hinder?
The Government first announced plans for a shared ownership right to buy in October 2019. At the time the sector raised concerns about the impact the plans would have on housing associations ability to borrow. An election and a pandemic later the Government announced, during the CIH Housing Festival last week, the return of the right to shared ownership as part of its Affordable Homes Programme (AHP).
End of possession stay – new working group guidance
Two final pieces of the possession jigsaw have been published on 15 September 2020. Mr Justice Knowles’ working group on possession proceedings has issued its guidance on the “overall arrangements” for possession proceedings.
Reactivation of possession claims post stay
We finally have some detail about what will happen after the end of the possession stay/evictions ban on 23 August 2020.
Eviction ban to end; weekend courts to catch up?
The Government has confirmed that the eviction ban/possession stay will definitely end on the 23 August 2020.
Water Charges – Reseller? Repayment and risk?
We summarise the outcome of the High Court case ruling against Kingston-upon-Thames RBC and which landlords may need to take action and when, regarding compensation for overcharging water bills.
Abolition of assured shorthold tenancies and section 21 notices? Consultation now closed
Our response to the Government’s consultation “A New Deal for Renting” has now been submitted following the consultation closing on 12 October.
Abolition of Section 21 notices…and assured shorthold tenancies!
Following the announcement in April 2019 that the Government was going to consult on abolishing the use of Section 21 notices, the promised consultation has now been issued.