Frequently Asked Questions

A no win, no fee agreement is a simple way of ensuring your costs are covered if you need to take legal action due to your council/housing association property being in an unliveable condition. Also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), it means that the lawyer representing you in the case will not take any payment until the end of the case.

In the event of a loss, the lawyer will take no fee and there will be no cost to the client at all.

After signing the CFA, there is a 14 day “cooling off” period during which the client may cancel at no cost. After this two week period, any cancellation may incur legal fees, this is something that your panel solicitor would be able to advise you on.

If your case is successful, then the legal fees will be paid for by the client’s housing association or council. The solicitor will also take a share of any compensation received. We do not charge you a fee for our service, and you do not pay us any fee at any point for our service. If your claim is successful, we will be paid a percentage of the legal costs received by the panel solicitors whom we referred your case to.

Will I have to pay any fee if I win my claim?

Yes. If you win your claim your solicitor will receive part of the legal fees and disbursements (expenses) from the third party insurance company. Depending on the nature of your case, your solicitor may deduct up to 25 % your compensation. Your solicitor may have to take after the event (ATE) policy to protect you against the third party insurance company legal costs and your own solicitor’s disbursments in case of unsuccessful conclusion. Cost of after the event (ATE) policy is deducted from your compensation in case of successful outcome of your case.

Will I have to pay any fee if I lose my case?

No. You will not have to pay solicitor fee provided you have been truthful and cooperative.

Will I have to pay any fee if I cancel my claim?

Yes. You will be required to pay solicitor fee and disbursement if you decided to withdraw your claim before its conclusion.

Do I have to use a CMC to make my claim?

No. You can make a claim to a statutory ombudsman or statutory compensation scheme, such as the Financial Ombudsman Service, without using the services of a CMC, and without paying a fee.