Ben has often referred in this blog to the book ‘Defending Possession Proceedings‘ from LAG as being the last word on the subject, but I have always had a sneaking preference for Gary Webbers book.
Maybe its because I bring eviction claims and don’t defend them.
Gary’s book covers the same subject matter as the LAG book, but is presented in a more ‘lawyerly’ way. Lay litigators may find it less approachable but lawyers will appreciate it.
However my old copy of the book had dramatically reduced in relevance as it was dated 2008 and a lot has happened since then.
So I was delighted to learn that a new 2013 edition was out. The 9th Edition in fact, so a long lived book, the first edition being way back in 1984.
As you would expect, this edition brings the law on possession proceedings up to date. Plus we have new chapters on discrimination and orders for sale.
The book also covers the new rules on tenancy deposits but was obviously published too late to include the Johnson v. Old case.
This is the perennial problem with published books – cases will come along and change things just after you have sent the manuscript to the publishers
However here, if you want them, updates are available from Gary’s website Property Law UK. The updates are free but if you want access to the online information you need to pay to subscribe.
Talking about payment, one big difference between this and the LAG book is in price. Whereas the LAG book is £55, Gary’s book (which is published by Sweet & Maxwell is an eye popping £105.
Is it worth the extra £50? Well it depends on who you are. If you are cash strapped and want something authoritative, then obviously the LAG book is the one. Particularly if you mostly act for defendants in possession claims rather than claimants.
However if you are a law firm where several staff members will be using the book as a reference, then you should definitely get it (as well as the LAG book) – it will be cheaper than going on a course for example, and it is a very useful reference book for anyone doing possession work.
In fact for any law firm which covers possession work I think this book is essential. Particularly as, until a new edition of Defending Possession Proceedings (currently last edited in 2010) comes out, it is more up to date.
However if you are thinking of getting it from Amazon, please use my affiliate link >> here. The link for Defending Possession Proceedings is >> here.