Updated 15 January 2025

Free Legal Advice

Where to get free legal advice on housing, including Shelter, Citizens Advice, law centres, and community legal services.

Relevant for:

Currently Homeless

At Risk

Recovering

Important Warnings

Free advice services are busy. You may need to wait on the phone or for an appointment. Keep trying.
Be clear about your situation and deadlines (e.g., court date, eviction date) so advisors can prioritize your case.
Do not ignore legal deadlines while waiting for advice. If you have court papers, act immediately.

You do not need to pay a solicitor to get legal advice on housing. There are many free services available.
Shelter, Citizens Advice, and law centres offer free advice on homelessness, eviction, disrepair, and housing benefit.
Some services offer advice by phone, online chat, or in person. You do not usually need an appointment for phone or online advice.
Free legal advice can help you understand your rights, challenge unfair decisions, and represent you in court if needed.

You have the right to access free legal advice regardless of your income or immigration status for initial advice.
If you qualify for legal aid, you can get free representation in court for serious housing cases (e.g., eviction, homelessness).
No one should charge you for advice about your housing rights. Be wary of "advisors" asking for upfront fees.