TENANTS are set to lose out because of changes in the law, according to a top Fylde lawyer.

Amendments made by Lord Woolf regarding the limitation of arbitration came into effect this week.

Before the legislation, claims for damages worth more than £1,000 were dealt with in the county courts.

Now the limit has been raised to £3,000 - with damages less than this being heard in the small claims court where legal aid is not available apart from personal injury cases.

Dr Michael Ramsden, barrister with the Housing and Welfare Law Agency, is warning this could put a lot of tenants off making claims.

He explained: "In essence, the change means tenants will find it much harder to take housing disrepair and illegal eviction and harassment cases to court where the damages would be less than £3,000.

"What they will be faced with is having to present their own cases in court and often they will not make a very good job of it.

"Many will feel intimidated when faced with the prospect of bringing an action personally against a violent landlord, or in cases where the landlord is legally represented.

"In many cases for tenants who have been illegally evicted or are being harassed, going to court on their own against their landlord will be very daunting or even frightening.

"The effect of the changes will be disastrous and we are prepared to see a further decline in the standard of housing."

Dr Ramsden said the Housing and Welfare Law Agency would continue to assist tenants.

He added: "Our centre will be calling for a review and we will be seeking a parliamentary debate on the issue."

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