Our Housing team offers a wide range of housing-related advice, from tenancy agreements to landlord and tenant disputes and homelessness.
In the first of a series of interviews with the team, we meet Cartridges Law’s award-winning housing lawyer Richard Westlake.
Name: Richard Westlake
Job title: Housing Lawyer
What does your job involve? Assisting clients, both private and those in receipt of Legal Aid, in all aspects of housing and homelessness law. I also represent clients at County Court – this can be clients defending possession proceedings by social or private landlords or assisting private landlords in obtaining possession of their properties.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? I think the most rewarding part of my job is to assist my clients in achieving their aim and reaching a successful outcome for them. I firmly believe that some of our work helps change people’s lives for the better, there can be nothing more rewarding than this in my role.
What is the biggest misconception people have about your job? That I am highly paid! People often think that Legal Aid lawyers are well remunerated for the work we do, however given that Legal Aid rates are a quarter of private rates we also need to carry out private funded work to allow us to carry out the Legal Aid work. Law firms do not make any money from the Legal Aid housing contracts, which is why there are so few providers in the south west. Cartridges Law is one of only two Legal Aid suppliers in housing matters in the south west peninsula, the other being a national housing charity.
What has been the highlight of your career so far at Cartridges Law? Every successful matter we have been able to achieve, every life we have been able to change for the better, and being recognised by my peers in 2024 when I was awarded Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year by Devon & Somerset Law Society.
What qualities or attributes do you think you need to work in housing law? Initially to be driven to want to assist people, to be focused and able to work in a compassionate and empathetic way. We also need to be able to keep abreast of the forever changing housing related laws and regulations, have a passion for housing related work and, given the complexities of our work, I believe we must have an attention to detail and ability to digest and act upon and within complex rules. Finally you must have an ability to be upfront with clients and be prepared to deliver firm, honest advice.
What is your top legal tip for landlords?
1. Don’t try to cut corners and always be aware of your legal obligations.
2. Get it right first time because the implications of getting it wrong can prove very costly in the long run.
3. Be a good landlord in a firm but fair manner, remembering that not only do tenants have rights, landlords do too. It is your property but it is your tenants’ home and each has an obligation to the other.
There are significant changes coming for landlords and tenants, what do you think will be the most significant change for a landlord? Certainly the removal of the section 21 no fault eviction. Getting your tenancies in order before the Renters’ Rights bill is passed is vital.
How can landlords keep up to date with changes in the law which will affect them? I would suggest that, given the ever-changing landscape in housing law, if a landlord is unsure they must seek advice from a specialist lawyer to ensure they get things right the first time, be it setting up a tenancy, maintaining a tenancy or commencing possession proceedings.
The internet has a wealth of information, however it is vital to remember that no two matters are the same. One size does not fit all.
Contact Cartridges Law Housing team for an honest and empathetic appraisal of your matter.