Sweeney Miller Law

28/05/2026

Are you ready for the Renters’ Rights Act deadline?

This weekend is your last opportunity to take action before the 31 May deadline.

For landlords and letting agents, this isn’t just another legislative update, it’s a time-critical compliance requirement.

The most urgent steps to take now:
✅ Provide every tenant with the official Government Information Sheet (as the correct PDF - not just a link)
✅ Ensure written tenancy details are in place, particularly where agreements are informal
✅ Check that documentation has been properly served to all named tenants

Failure to act could result in fines of up to £7,000.

Beyond this immediate deadline, landlords should also be reviewing:
* Tenancy agreements under the new periodic model
* Rent increase processes
* Internal policies around tenant selection and management

This is one of the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades and missing these transitional steps could create unnecessary risk.

If you haven’t acted yet… now is the time. Our specialist Landlord and Tenant team are here to help.

Contact [email protected]

27/05/2026

Eid al-Adha Mubarak to everyone celebrating. Wishing you peace, happiness, and time with loved ones.

22/05/2026

Keep your eyes peeled in Sunderland this weekend… 👀

Our digital screen adverts are live in Sunderland city centre!

With so much happening in the city this weekend, from Radio 1’s Big Weekend to the Sunderland AFC v Chelsea match, it’s the perfect time to showcase Sweeney Miller Law right in the heart of the action.

If you’re heading into the city, see if you can spot us and let us know if you do 👋

We’re proud to be part of a city that’s buzzing with energy and to be a firm that supports local people, families and businesses every day.

15/05/2026

We plead guilty…. to eating far too many sweets 🍬⚖️

A huge thank you to Jamie Laing and the team at Candy Kittens for sending us 100 packs of your incredible sweets. They’ve gone down an absolute treat and you have definitely made some new very loyal fans here!

Safe to say productivity may have taken a very slight dip while everyone raced to grab a bag… but morale? Through the roof 🙌

From the moment they landed, the office has been buzzing (and very slightly sugar-fuelled 😄). It’s little things like this that really brighten the working day.

We were lucky enough to be one of the first offices to jump on Candy Kittens recent treats giveaway. Proof that it definitely pays to keep an eye on LinkedIn 👀!

Case closed: best office surprise of the week!

14/05/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that our Managing Partner, Surbhi Vedhara, has been shortlisted in the North East Inspirational Businesswoman of the Year category at the FB Fashion Ball North East Business Hero Awards 2026🎉

This recognition is a true reflection of Surbhi’s leadership, dedication and the positive impact she makes across our firm, clients and the wider North East business community.

Voting is now open and as these are People’s Choice Awards, every vote really does count.

If Surbhi has inspired you in any way, please feel free to vote for her here:
👉 https://fbfashionball.show/vote/

Winners announced on 21 May. Let’s get behind Surbhi and show our support 💙

12/05/2026

We’re pleased to be supporting the GB Landlords - Help for landlords event on Thursday 21 May at the Britannia Hotel, Newcastle Airport.

This popular event brings together landlords, letting agents and property professionals from across the North East for an evening of insight, updates and valuable networking.

Speakers include:

🔹 Harvey Wake, Owner of NE Fire Safety Solutions: Covering what landlords need to know about fire safety compliance, including legal requirements, what a proper fire risk assessment should involve, and the consequences of getting it wrong.

🔹 Sophie Adcock MNAEA, Auction Valuer at Auction House: Sharing practical insight into buying property at auction, including key considerations and opportunities for investors.

🔹Paul Hampton from Approved Mortgage Solutions Ltd: Delivering a mortgage update.

With ongoing regulatory change and increasing compliance obligations, this is a fantastic opportunity to stay informed, protect your investments and connect with others in the sector.

If you’re a landlord or letting agent in the North East, this event is well worth attending.

👉 Book your place here
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gb-landlords-may-2026-meeting-newcastle-tickets-1988329035670?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios

Connect, learn and engage with experts and peers in the property world.

08/05/2026

It was great to be at the Newcastle University Law School 'Life after a Law Degree' Scholarship and Alumni event last night.

Our annual Sweeney Miller Law Scholarship is a flagship initiative for the firm, and one we are incredibly proud to deliver in partnership with Newcastle University, supporting aspiring legal talent as they take their first steps into the profession.

It was fantastic to attend with Luke Gaskill, one of our trainee solicitors and the recipient of the Sweeney Miller Law scholarship in 2024, who spoke to students about his legal pathway, from why he chose to study law, to his experience as a trainee solicitor and his SQE journey.

We also enjoyed catching up with last year’s Sweeney Miller Law scholarship winner Isabelle and this year’s recipient, who we look forward to welcoming for work experience this June as part of their prize.

Thanks for a brilliant evening bringing together law students, alumni and partners from across the North East legal community.

05/05/2026

We were proud to act for the company behind the British Esports Federation on the financing of the new British Arena in Sunderland - a landmark project for the region’s growing creative and digital economy.

This exciting development will play a key role in supporting esports, gaming and wider multi‑use events in the North East, reinforcing Sunderland’s position as a national hub for the sector.

The transaction was led by Senior Partner Jess Fenwick, working closely with our corporate team, providing strategic legal support to help bring this ambitious project to fruition.

Congratulations to the team at the British Esports Federation. We are delighted to have supported you on such a high‑profile and forward‑looking project.

01/05/2026

“If Chloe’s level of service could be bottled up and sold, solicitor firms would make millions from it.”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A huge thank you to Laura for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review on ReviewSolicitors following her sale and purchase. Feedback like this perfectly captures what matters most to us: clear communication, genuine support and making clients feel confident and reassured throughout the process.

Well done to Associate Solicitor Chloe Cheeseborough and Senior Paralegal Kolshuma Begum for delivering such an outstanding experience. It’s always a pleasure to see the care and professionalism of our Residential Conveyancing team recognised.

Read our other 1286 reviews here:
https://www.reviewsolicitors.co.uk/tyne-and-wear/sunderland/sweeney-miller-llp

If you’re moving home and want a team who’ll guide you every step of the way, we’d love to help.

01/05/2026

Today marks a turning point for the private rented sector.

The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force today, introducing the biggest shake‑up to renting in England in decades, with wide‑ranging implications for landlords, letting agents and tenants alike.

From the end of “no‑fault” evictions to new tenancy and rent reform rules, this legislation represents a fundamental change in how residential property is managed and protected.

At Sweeney Miller Law, we understand that change at this scale can feel daunting. Whether you’re a landlord reviewing your portfolio, a letting agent adapting your processes, or a tenant wanting clarity on your new rights, we’re here to help you navigate what comes next.

We’re proud to support our clients as we negotiate the biggest change the sector has seen in a generation, with clear advice, practical guidance and a focus on protecting your position.

📞 If you’d like expert support or have questions about how the Act affects you, our team is ready to help.