Large parts of England and Wales have become 'legal aid deserts' where people are unable to get state-funded advice on housing problems, according to the Law Society.
It has called on the government to urgently commission an independent review into the sustainability of the civil legal aid system.
The Law Society of England and Wales says almost a third of areas have just one solicitor, and in some cases none at all, who specialise in housing and whose advice is available through legal aid.
Chief executive Catherine Dixon said advice on housing was vital for people facing eviction, the homeless and those renting a property in need of repair.
'Early legal advice on housing matters can make the difference between a family being made homeless or not,' she said.
The society has published an interactive map showing the areas affected.
Ms Dixon added: ‘There is a serious risk the people that parliament insisted should be able to access legal help will be unable to get the advice and representation they need.
'The government needs to urgently commission an independent review into the sustainability of the civil legal aid system.'
