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David specialises in housing, local government, human rights, discrimination and public law.

David's roots were in the Law Centre movement where he worked until 1997 before he joined Arden Chambers. David has since established himself as one of the foremost leading junior's in housing law.

Homelessness; allocations and transfers of housing accommodation; security of tenure; right to buy and to acquire; leases and service charges; rent control; disrepair; environmental health; mortgages.

Local Government: Powers and duties; judicial review; liability; human rights; housing benefit; disposal and management of housing; notices; employment.

Landlord & Tenant: Tenancy agreements; security of tenure (residential and commercial); leases, service charges and enfranchisement; harassment and illegal eviction; rents and rent control; leases, service charges and management orders; disrepair; environmental health.

Social Security: Housing benefit; income support and jobseeker''s allowance; contributory benefits.

What the directories say

“David is very knowledgeable and quick to respond. He gives really great advice and representation.”- Chambers and Partners 2025

“David is a really great barrister.  He's very knowledgeable, he talks to you about your cases and he is always there to help.”- Chambers and Partners 2025

"He is effective, thorough and responsive when advising on highly complex matters."- Chambers and Partners 2025

"David is very good at analysing and identifying the issues within a case. He is also very good in advocacy. He gets on well with every client and is extremely knowledgeable." - Legal 500 2025

"David Carter is very good with clients, very knowledgeable on the law and always able to suggest an appropriate way forward."  - Chambers and Partners 2024

"A very knowledgeable junior." - Legal 500 2024

"David’s legal knowledge is second-to-none. A confident advocate who can think on his feet." - Legal 500 2023

"He is a skilled advocate, and the documents he produces are stylish in presentation and very erudite." - Chambers and Partners 2023

"David is very dependable and has always been able to provide sound advice." "He is very pragmatic, sensible and gets to the point." - Chambers and Partners 2022

Housing and Social Welfare

Local Government

  • (Lynch) v Lambeth LBC [2007] H.L.R. 15, QBD: allocation of accommodation; reasonable preference.
  • YL v Birmingham CC and others [2007] 2 W.L.R. 1097, CA and [2007] 3 W.L.R., HL: powers and duties of local authorities.

Homelessness

  • R. v Islington LB Ex p. Thomas (1997) 30 H.L.R. 111, QBD: suitability of accommodation, inquiries.
  • R v Brent LBC Ex p. Sadiq [2000] 33 H.L.R. 47, QBD: revocation of determination.
  • Carter v Wandsworth LBC [2005] 2 All E.R. 192, CA: procedural fairness.
  • William v Wandsworth LBC [2006] H.L.R. 42, CA: intentional homelessness; procedure.
  • R (Lynch) v Lambeth LBC [2007] H.L.R. 15, QBD: adequacy of reasons; alternative remedy.
  • R (Abdi) v Lambeth LBC [2007] EWHC 1565 (Admin), QBD: interim accommodation; procedural fairness.
  • Watchman v Ipswich BC [2007] H.L.R. 33, CA: intentional homelessness, causation.

Landlord & Tenant

  • Forebury Estates Ltd v Chiltern, Thames and Eastern R.A.C. [2000] 33 H.L.R. 64, QBD: fair rent; rent assessment committee.
  • Alamo Housing Cooperative Ltd v Meredith [2003] 35 HLR 62, CA: right to possession after extinction of legal estate.
  • Akram v Adam [2005] 1 W.L.R. 2762, CA: protected tenancy, possession.
Human Rights
  • R (Stanley) v Metropolitan Police, Brent LBC and Secretary of State for the Home Department[2005] H.L.R. 8, QBD: publishing ASBOs.
  • Akram v Adam [2005] 1 W.L.R. 2762, CA: civil procedure.
  • YL v Birmingham CC and others [2007] 2 W.L.R. 1097, CA and [2007] 3 W.L.R., HL: meaning of public authority.