Start My Claim vs a solicitor vs Citizens Advice: help for renters compared
A lot of help for tenants in England is free: councils deal with disrepair, deposit schemes resolve deposit disputes, and the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service gives free legal advice and on-the-day representation if you face eviction. A solicitor or legal aid is the right route for complex disrepair or possession cases. Start My Claim is fixed-price software for tenants preparing their own tribunal application or defence, not legal advice.
Where can I get free help as a tenant?
Your local council, Shelter and Citizens Advice all give free help. If your landlord has given you written notice or started a possession claim, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service gives free legal advice, and free representation at court on the day of the hearing. Legal aid may also be available for eviction and serious disrepair if you qualify.
Do I need a solicitor to apply for a rent repayment order?
No. You can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) yourself. The tribunal charges an application fee of £114 and a hearing fee of £227 if a hearing is listed, and Help with Fees may reduce these.
Should I pay for help defending a possession claim?
Check the free options first. The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service can advise you once you get written notice and represent you at court on the day, and you may qualify for legal aid. Paid help makes most sense if those are not available to you or you want to prepare in more depth.
Is Start My Claim legal advice?
No. Start My Claim is not a law firm and does not give legal advice or represent you. It helps you prepare your own case. For advice on your situation, contact Shelter, Citizens Advice or a housing solicitor.
Renters' rights options
Renters’ Rights · Compare your options
Start My Claim vs a solicitor vs Citizens Advice: help for renters compared
What does each option do, and what does it cost?
When is a solicitor the better choice?
- you are facing a possession claim and the free advice service is not available where you live;
- you want to claim compensation for disrepair that has affected your health or belongings;
- you are claiming the deposit penalty and the landlord disputes it;
- you have been evicted without a court order;
- you qualify for legal aid, which may cover the cost.
What Start My Claim does, and does not, do
Start My Claim helps you check a notice, organise your evidence and prepare applications to the First-tier Tribunal, including a rent repayment order (£269) or a rent increase challenge (£89), and a possession defence (£229). Prices are flat. Tribunal and court fees are paid separately.
It does not give legal advice about your individual case and does not represent you at a tribunal or court hearing.
Questions people ask
Repairs request letter template
Tenancy deposit compensation
Rent repayment orders