Jonathan Hulley
Jonathan is a Partner and Joint Head of Social Housing at Birketts, leading a specialist team of housing solicitors advising Housing Associations, Local Authorities and other public sector clients.
Jonathan brings over two decades of experience in housing law and public sector governance, with a particular focus on landlord and tenant matters, housing management dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance. His deep understanding of the statutory and political frameworks within which social housing providers operate enables him to deliver strategic, pragmatic advice tailored to the sector’s fast evolving needs.
Jonathan brings valuable insight from his roles in local government. He is a Runnymede Borough Councillor, having served as Vice Chair of the Housing Committee and Chair of the Standards and Audit Committee. He is also a Surrey County Councillor and currently serves as Cabinet Member for Children Services, Families and Lifelong Learning. These roles give Jonathan a unique perspective on the intersection between legal frameworks, political priorities and operational delivery, and he uses this insight to help clients navigate complex governance issues and deliver sustainable housing solutions.
As an acknowledged expert housing solicitor, Jonathan’s practice spans disrepair claims, service charge disputes, and Building and Fire Safety compliance, including representation in the First Tier Tribunal. He is widely recognised for his expertise in leasehold management and consumer standards, and regularly advises clients on best practice, policy development and regulatory obligations set by the social housing regulator.
Jonathan is also asked regularly to participate in housing and regeneration thought leadership events, giving him an opportunity to both speak and chair roundtable discussions with leaders in the industry at both a political, regulatory and legal positions. The insight gained from these discussions and events is invaluable and helps to shape the future of the housing sector.
Recent work highlights
Jonathan has represented social housing clients in the Supreme Court and notable cases include: Southend on Sea Borough Council v Armour (2014) EWCA CIV 231 and Aster v Akerman Livingston (2015) UKSC 15, the latter being a leading authority on the applicability of the Equality Act 2010 to possession proceedings.
Jonathan regularly lectures to clients on housing and leasehold management best practice and procedure and hosts bespoke client training events that cover such topics as the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Building and Fire Safety Acts.
Experience & education
2020 Partner and Head of Social Housing at Birketts LLP
2017- 2019 Partner and co-head of Social Housing at Capsticks LLP
2011- 2017 Partner and Head of Housing Management at Clarke Willmott LLP
2003 – 2011 Solicitor then Partner at Devonshires
2003 qualified as a Solicitor
Areas of Expertise
Accreditations
Chambers [UK 2025]
Ranked
Insights
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Understanding the rent standard and what your tenants should be payinglegal updateUnderstanding the rent standard and what your tenants should be paying
Multiple Authors12 Aug 20253 min read51 -
Renters’ Rights breakdown – have you updated your penalty procedures?legal updateRenters’ Rights breakdown – have you updated your penalty procedures?
Multiple Authors23 May 20253 min read40
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Part 2: The Renters’ Rights Bill – Abolition of Section 21legal updatePart 2: The Renters’ Rights Bill – Abolition of Section 21
Multiple Authors6 Feb 20254 min read166
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Your guide to complying with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)legal updateYour guide to complying with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Jonathan Hulley11 Apr 20243 min read406
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A cap on social housing rent – What is the proposal?legal updateA cap on social housing rent – What is the proposal?
Jonathan Hulley23 Sep 20223 min read24
