Tributes paid to leading housing lawyer and commentator

Peaker was a partner at London law firm Anthony Gold Solicitors and the founder of the ‘Nearly Legal’ housing law website.

In a statement Anthony Gold Solicitors said: “Giles was a leading lawyer, renowned for his expertise in all aspects of housing law. He advised and represented leaseholders and tenants on build defects, fire safety issues, repossession, poor housing conditions and homelessness, dedicating his career to helping those most in need.

“As well as his client work, Giles worked tirelessly to improve the rights of individuals to good housing. He played a major part in drafting the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, which provided a significant step forward in ensuring tenants have a right to healthy and safe housing.”

The firm added: “Giles’ colleagues knew him for his dry wit, immense knowledge and kindness, and as someone who was always willing to give his time to anyone who approached him with a problem.”

Peaker died following a short illness and is survived by his wife, Beth.

Andrew Brookes, the head of Anthony Gold’s Housing department, said: “Giles was an inspirational colleague who I worked with for 20 years. His knowledge was legendary and his passion for housing law unmatched. His ‘Nearly Legal’ blog was both widely used and loved for its clarity, wit and breadth. He was instrumental in drafting the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation Act). He will be sorely missed by all of us at Anthony Gold and in the wider housing law world.”