Michael Singleton

As Head of the Housing Practice Group Michael pioneered the development of Housing Law within Chambers.  As such he is involved in all aspects of housing law and related fields, including:

• Possession claims, particularly those involving anti-social behaviour, tolerated trespassers and human rights issues.
• Injunctions under anti-social behaviour legislation, particularly where part of larger strategic objectives.
• Disrepair, including claims under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
• Regulatory work including Environmental Protection Act 1990, unlawful eviction, planning enforcement and health and safety proceedings.
• Regularly instructed by and on behalf of local authorities, housing associations and specialist tenant advisers.

Michael also lectures on most aspects of Housing Law and is a Pupil Supervisor.

Notable Cases

Birmingham CC v Pardoe [2016] EWHC 3119 (QB)

Birmingham CC v Ashton [2012] EWCA Civ 1557

Corby BC v Scott [2012] EWCA Civ 276

Birmingham CC v Frisby [2011] UKSC 8

Knowsley HT v White [2008] UKHL 70

Porter v Shepherds Bush HA [2008] EWCA Civ 196

O’Neill v Sandwell MBC [2007] EWHC 3004 (QB)

Knowsley HT v Revell [2003] EWCA Civ 496

Jones v Walsall MBC [2002] EWHC 1232 (Admin)

Hall v Kingston upon Hull CC [1999] 2 All ER 609

R v Dudley MC ex p Hollis [1997] 1043 EWHC (Admin)

Michael has considerable experience in claims arising from occupation or use of property, including:

• Acts for local authorities, housing associations, defendant insurers and claimants.
• Particular experience in respiratory illnesses arising from environmental factors.
• Regularly advises on claims for asthma alleged to be caused or exacerbated by poor housing conditions.

Notable Cases

Wells v Mutchmeats ltd & anor [2006] EWCA Civ 963

Michael is experienced in regulatory claims, including:

• Offences involving land and the control of property.
• Considerable experience in claims for statutory nuisance.
• Has acted for local authorities co-ordinating responses to attempts to overwhelm by issuing multiple statutory nuisance claims on the same day.
• Unlawful eviction, planning enforcement and health and safety proceedings.
• Acted for race track operators in a noise abatement appeal.
• Recently prosecuted unlawful eviction trial in the Crown Court.
• Defended a Housing Association in a prosecution brought under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 following a serious fire at one of its properties.

Notable Cases

Tewkesbury BC v. Dennis Deacon [2003] EWHC 2544 (Admin)

Emma Jones v Walsall MBC [2002] EWHC 1232 (Admin)

Hall v Kingston upon Hull CC : Ireland v Birmingham CC [1999] 2 All ER 609.

R v Dudley Magistrates’ Court, ex parte Hollis: Hollis v Dudley MBC: Probert v Dudley MBC [1999] 1 WLR 642

Amos v Worcester CC [1996] EWHC (Admin) 32