Week 30. Section 21. Part 2.

Justice Prevails: The Costs Hearing

Last week marked a turning point in what has been a long and difficult journey for my client, a young family forced to defend themselves against a Section 21 eviction notice. This week, the case came before The County Court for a costs hearing, and justice, in the truest sense, prevailed.

From the outset, my client was terrified. Like so many ordinary people thrust into legal proceedings, she walked into court unsure of what to expect, her confidence low and her future unsettled. But she also walked in prepared, armed with the law, the facts, and the belief that fairness must win out.

In stark contrast, the landlords were represented by their daughter, the same individual whose conduct throughout this process had caused my client significant distress. The elderly landlords themselves were present, but clearly uncomfortable with the fact they had been brought into court.

Presiding over the hearing was a Judge, who, in my client’s words, was “a perfect example of how justice should prevail.” Within minutes of meeting the parties, the judge understood the situation and conducted proceedings with fairness, clarity, and compassion. The outcome was decisive: the order was set aside

My client summed up her feelings afterwards:

“I'd like to add that this process has not only restored faith in the justice system but gave me great admiration for all those in the legal system.
I walked in to this process scared and unsure of the future of my family, with the right back up, time and patience. I walked out proud, listened to, and most importantly, educated.
With many thanks to you and the judge.
The little man can win 💪”

A Lesson in Conduct and Compassion

What stood out most in this case was not just the outcome, but the manner in which my client conducted herself. She remained humble, respectful, and law-abiding throughout. She paid her rent in full, respected the process, and placed her trust in the court to deliver justice, which it did.

By contrast, the landlord’s daughter, who had no legal authority to act, had relentlessly interfered in the tenancy, even attending the property uninvited. It was her actions that drove this dispute, yet it was her elderly parents, the landlords, who ultimately carried the weight of the case.

Although I am a little disappointed that my client chose not to pursue damages against the landlord’s daughter, I also respect her reasoning. She recognised the visible suffering of the elderly landlords and, out of compassion, did not wish to prolong their distress. After everything she had endured, this decision reflects her strength of character, a desire not to punish unnecessarily but simply to move on with her life.

A Reminder to Landlords

This case is a reminder that landlords cannot take the law into their own hands. Section 21 notices must be handled properly and lawfully. Where tenants raise legitimate concerns about damp, mould, or property disrepair, retaliatory evictions are not only unjust, they may be unlawful.

In this instance, it will now fall to the local authority and Environmental Health to decide whether further enforcement action is warranted. But for my client, the battle is over. She chose compassion over conflict, closure over continued litigation.

For me, this case exemplifies the very best of what the justice system can achieve when it works as it should: fairness, protection for the vulnerable, and a balance between law and humanity.

Most importantly, it shows that with preparation, patience, and respect, ordinary people can stand up in court, and win