Case Studies
Real legal scenarios based on published UK court and tribunal decisions. Each case study shows how Case Buddy analyses the situation — the same experience you get when you use the platform.
Case Buddy provides legal information, not legal advice. These case studies are for educational purposes only. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a qualified solicitor.
Housing
Can My Landlord Evict Me If They Gave the Gas Safety Certificate Late?
A tenant challenges a Section 21 notice after the landlord failed to provide a gas safety certificate before the tenancy started. Based on Trecarrell House v Rouncefield [2020].
Trecarrell House Ltd v Rouncefield [2020] EWCA Civ 760
Is an Uncashed Cheque the Same as Returning My Deposit?
A landlord tried to return an unprotected deposit by posting a cheque under the door, then immediately served a Section 21 notice. Based on Richworth v Billingham [2023].
Richworth Ltd v Billingham [2023] EW Misc 8 (CC)
My Flat Has Had Damp and Mould for Years — What Can I Claim?
A tenant with years of unresolved damp, mould, and structural problems claims damages for disrepair and unfitness for human habitation. Based on Dezitter v Hammersmith (2023).
Dezitter v Hammersmith and Fulham Homes (Central London County Court, 2023)
Was My Section 21 Notice Invalid Because My Landlord Did Not Protect My Deposit?
A tenant discovers their deposit was never protected in an authorised scheme. The landlord served a Section 21 notice and started court proceedings. Based on Superstrike Ltd v Rodrigues [2013].
Superstrike Ltd v Rodrigues [2013] EWCA Civ 669
My Landlord Served a Section 21 During My Fixed-Term — Was It Valid?
A tenant receives a Section 21 notice before their fixed-term tenancy has expired. Can a landlord serve Section 21 during a fixed term? Based on Housing Act 1988 s.21(4) principles.
Housing Act 1988 s.21(4) — Possession notices during fixed terms
Employment
I Resigned in the Heat of the Moment — Can I Take It Back?
An employee said "that's it, a month's notice" during a heated exchange and tried to retract it immediately. The employer refused. Based on Omar v Epping Forest District CA [2023].
Omar v Epping Forest District Citizens Advice [2023] EAT 132
Why Was I the Only One Considered for Redundancy?
An employee was placed in a redundancy pool of one despite three colleagues doing the same role. No explanation was given. Based on Valimulla v Al-Khair Foundation [2023].
Valimulla v Al-Khair Foundation [2023] EAT 131
My Employer Scored Me for Redundancy Before Even Consulting Me
An employee was scored on subjective criteria before redundancy consultation began, and never shown the scores. Based on De Bank Haycocks v ADP RPO UK [2023].
De Bank Haycocks v ADP RPO UK Ltd [2023] EAT 129
I Was Paid Less Sick Pay Than My White Colleagues
An employee with Lupus was paid statutory sick pay instead of contractual sick pay, while white colleagues received better treatment. Based on Francois v Stay Safe East (2023).
Francois v Stay Safe East (Case No. 3200052/2023, East London ET)
My Manager Made My Life Hell Until I Quit — Is That Constructive Dismissal?
An employee subjected to persistent bullying, public humiliation, and exclusion from meetings eventually resigns. Is it constructive dismissal? Based on Western Excavating v Sharp [1978] principles applied in modern cases.
Western Excavating (ECC) Ltd v Sharp [1978] QB 761
I Was Dismissed Without Any Procedure — Does That Make It Unfair?
An employee is dismissed with no warning, no meeting, and no appeal. The employer says the outcome would have been the same regardless. Based on Polkey v AE Dayton Services [1987].
Polkey v AE Dayton Services Ltd [1987] UKHL 8
I Was Sacked After Reporting My Employer to the HSE — Is That Protected Disclosure?
An employee reports serious health and safety breaches to the HSE and is dismissed shortly afterwards. Does this qualify as a protected disclosure? Based on Cavendish Munro v Geduld [2010].
Cavendish Munro Professional Risks Management v Geduld [2010] ICR 325 (EAT)
I Was Made Redundant After Developing a Disability — Was That Discrimination?
An employee develops a physical disability following an accident at work and is subsequently selected for redundancy. Based on Archibald v Fife Council [2004] UKHL 32.
Archibald v Fife Council [2004] UKHL 32
Debt Recovery
Is My PPI Claim Time-Barred If the Policy Ended Years Ago?
A bank customer discovered their PPI policy included undisclosed commission of over 50%. The bank claimed the claim was too late. Based on Smith v RBS [2023] UKSC.
Smith v Royal Bank of Scotland plc [2023] UKSC 34
Can They Chase Me for a Debt If They Cannot Produce the Original Agreement?
A debtor requested their original credit agreement under Section 78. The bank could only provide a reconstituted version. Based on Carey v HSBC [2009].
Carey v HSBC Bank plc [2009] EWHC 3417 (QB)
I Got a CCJ I Never Knew About — Can I Get It Set Aside?
A person discovers a County Court Judgment entered against them when they were not served and had no knowledge of the claim. Can it be set aside? Based on CPR 13.3 principles.
CPR 13.3 — General principles on setting aside default judgments
A Debt Collector Is Chasing a 7-Year-Old Debt — Do I Still Owe It?
A debt collection agency is pursuing a credit card debt that is over six years old. Is it statute-barred? Based on the Limitation Act 1980 s.5 principles.
Limitation Act 1980 s.5 — Statute of limitations on simple contract debts; ARM Asset Backed Securities SA v Helio Sequence Ltd principles on acknowledgment
A Company Filed a Claim Years Ago But Never Served It — Can They Revive It Now?
A creditor issued a bare claim form to stop the limitation clock, then never progressed the claim for years. Based on Free Leisure v Peidl [2023].
Free Leisure Ltd v Peidl and Company Ltd [2023] EWHC 792 (Comm)