Last updated 1 May 2026
Case Buddy vs Shelter
Shelter is the UK's leading housing and homelessness charity, offering a free helpline, online advice, and legal casework for serious housing problems. Case Buddy covers housing law as one of three practice areas and can explain your rights instantly. For urgent housing crises, both services have a role to play.
Side-by-side comparison
| Case Buddy | Shelter | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | 24/7, instant — no waiting list | Helpline open limited hours; local offices have waiting lists; chat available daytime |
| Cost | Free | Free helpline and online advice; some paid legal services |
| Specialist expertise | AI trained on UK housing, employment, and debt recovery law | Deep specialist housing expertise; human advisers and qualified housing solicitors |
| Speed | Immediate answers in seconds | Helpline: same-day; casework appointments: weeks |
| Covers all 3 areas | Yes — housing, employment, and debt recovery | Housing and homelessness only |
| Generates legal letters | Yes — eviction challenges, disrepair complaints, deposit disputes | No — advisers help you understand what to do; caseworkers may draft letters in serious cases |
Which is right for you?
Use Case Buddy when…
- You need to know your housing rights right now, outside Shelter helpline hours
- You want to understand whether an eviction notice is valid before calling anyone
- You need a letter to your landlord about repairs, deposits, or an unlawful eviction
- Your issue also involves employment or debt, not just housing
- You want to prepare before calling the Shelter helpline
Use Shelter when…
- You are facing imminent homelessness or a serious housing crisis
- You have received court papers and need specialist housing legal advice
- You need emotional support alongside practical legal information
- You need help navigating homelessness applications with your local council
- Your case requires full legal representation at a possession hearing
Our verdict
Shelter has unmatched depth in housing law and the ability to provide crisis support and legal representation. Case Buddy is a faster, broader first step that also covers employment and debt. For any serious housing crisis — particularly imminent eviction or homelessness — call Shelter on 0808 800 4444. Use Case Buddy to understand your position and prepare.
Try Case Buddy free
Describe your situation in plain English. Case Buddy explains the relevant UK law — free, instantly, no sign-up required.
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