SHB’s Festive Round-up and Legislation Updates 2025

At Salusbury Harding & Barlow Solicitors, we have enjoyed yet another busy year, and we have also been navigating important legislation changes for our clients. During 2025, we have also welcomed some new starters to the firm, while celebrating the progress of existing team members. In this blog, we share our news, team updates, and recent changes in law.

The Renters’ Rights Act: Major rental market reforms

The Renters’ Rights Bill recently received Royal Assent and it’s the most significant piece of legislation this year affecting our clients. The new Renters’ Rights Act is expected to have a major impact on the rental property market, affecting both landlords and tenants.

Below is a summary of how landlords and 11 million private renters will be affected:

• Section 21 “no-fault” evictions will be abolished. Landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.

• Decent Homes Standard will now apply to the private rental sector. The aim is to ensure safer and better value homes for renters.

• Awaab’s Law will also apply to the private rental sector. Landlords will need to abide by legal timeframes when responding to hazards.

• It will be illegal to discriminate against tenants with children or on benefits. The aim is to ensure all prospective tenants are treated fairly.

• Rental bidding will become illegal. Landlords won’t be allowed to ask for or accept offers above the advertised rent, and they will need to publish a clear asking rent.

• Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) will become periodic tenancies. Fixed terms will be eliminated and rent increases will be limited to once a year.

• New Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman. Providing “quick, fair, impartial and binding dispute resolution for tenants’ complaints about their landlord” (Gov.uk).

• New Private Rented Sector Landlord Database. Helping landlords to understand their responsibilities and legal obligations, so they can stay compliant.

For more information on the Renters’ Rights Act, please speak to our property law team.

Our Chosen Charity: Alex’s Wish

SHB Solicitors has supported Alex’s Wish on a monthly basis for many years. Based in Leicester, this local charity was set up to eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This aggressive form of Muscular Dystrophy affects 1 in every 3,500 boys born, causing every muscle to be destroyed due to a lack of protein. It affects the heart and lungs too, as these are also muscles. Alex’s Wish was set up by Emma and Andy Hallam (Alex’s parents) to raise vital funds to find new treatments and a cure for this devastating condition.

Shona Davidson, Legal Executive 

We would like to congratulate Shona Davidson for completing her qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive! Shona has worked for SHB Solicitors since 2006, when she started with us as a secretary. Shona has worked hard studying for and completing her law degree, becoming a cashier, and then receiving our support in progressing her career. She assists the team with Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Court of Protection applications. Well done, Shona, on your brilliant achievement!

Daniel Pritchard, Solicitor

Daniel Pritchard joined our team this year as our new Solicitor, specialising in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Contested Probate. He enjoys helping our clients navigate important life decisions and events by providing clear and tailored legal guidance to give them peace of mind.

Daniel qualified as a solicitor in 2021, and began his career in litigation and dispute resolution, which introduced him to private client matters. Outside of work, Daniel enjoys spending time with his son, going to the gym, and being outdoors.

Hannah Black, Trainee Solicitor

You might remember that Hannah joined SHB Solicitors as our new Paralegal in late 2024. We wanted to find out how she’s settled in this year, so here’s an update from Hannah:

“I have officially been at SHB for a year now and I feel well and truly settled in. I was awarded my training contract by SHB in March 2025 and am now progressing with my Trainee Solicitor journey. I enjoy being involved in a wide range of family matters, including children and financial proceedings, and I am learning so much along the way! I am also currently completing my Professional Skills Course alongside my training contract, which is giving me further opportunities to further my knowledge and understanding. The year has gone so quickly, but I am already looking forward to 2026!”

Hannah Black assists our family law department fee earners, working on all aspects of family law cases, including children matters and divorce proceedings. Read more about Hannah and our new starters…

We wish all of our team the very best with their careers at Salusbury Harding & Barlow.

Thank you to all our clients and business friends for your support in 2025. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

If you need advice on a legal matter, please speak to our solicitors. Get in touch via our website or call 0116 262 6052 to arrange a face-to-face or telephone appointment.