“Disclaimer:Tenant Support UK is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice. All content on this website is for general informational purposes only, based on publicly available legal guidance and personal experience. If you need legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult a qualified solicitor or a trusted housing advice service.“

Who is the SRA?

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates solicitors and law firms in England and Wales. Their job? Protect the public, uphold professional standards, and take action against solicitors who break the rules.

Why Would a Tenant Ever Need to Complain?

Tenants usually deal with landlords, letting agents, and maybe property managers. But sometimes, solicitors get involved, especially during:

Eviction proceedings

Deposit disputes

Harassment claims

Legal threats made on behalf of landlords

Most solicitors act professionally.
But if they don’t? You have every right to stand up.

Situations When Tenants Can (And Should) Report a Solicitor:

1. Dishonest or misleading behaviour

Making false legal threats to intimidate you.

Pretending you have no rights when you do.

2. Conflict of interest

If a solicitor is secretly helping both the landlord and the agent without proper disclosure.

3. Breach of confidentiality

If a solicitor shares your private information without your consent.

4. Abuse of position

Using legal knowledge unfairly to frighten, bully, or manipulate a tenant.

5. Failure to uphold proper standards

Sending incorrect court papers.

Ignoring tenant protections (like serving invalid eviction notices).

Acting outside their lawful powers.

6. Harassment or discrimination

Any conduct that feels like stalking, threatening, or humiliating behaviour linked to your protected rights.

What Can the SRA Actually Do?

The SRA has serious powers.
If a complaint is upheld, they can:

Fine solicitors

Suspend them

Strike them off (remove their right to practise law)

Publish public decisions

And yes, it stays on their record.
Firms hate SRA investigations because it affects their reputation and their insurance.

How to Complain to the SRA

Step 1: Gather evidence (emails, letters, screenshots).

Step 2: Check if the solicitor’s firm has an internal complaints procedure. (You usually must complain to them first.)

Step 3: If you’re still not satisfied or the issue is very serious, report directly to the SRA.

Links:

Get in Touch with SRA (contactcentre@sra.org.uk)
You can start a report here (download, complete and send)

SRA Professional Ethics Helpline (professional.ethics@sra.org.uk)

Important:
You don’t need to be a lawyer.
You don’t need to be rich.
You just need to tell the truth and show your evidence.

Tenants are just as entitled to respect as anyone else.
Being a solicitor doesn’t give anyone the right to lie, threaten, or manipulate tenants.

If you’ve been treated unfairly, don’t just sit quietly. Speak up. Stand strong.
And remember, the SRA is there to protect you too.

The Toolbox: 9 Ways to Fight Back Without Moving to Mars

1. Shelter England – england.shelter.org.uk — 0808 800 4444.
2. Citizens Advice Redditch & Bromsgrove – citizensadviceredditch.org.uk.
3. TSUK Letters Templates – TenantSupportUK.com
4. ACORN Community Union – acorntheunion.org.uk.
5. Generation Rent – generationrent.org.
6. Renters Reform Coalition – rentersreformcoalition.co.uk.
7. Housing Ombudsman Service – housing-ombudsman.org.uk.
8. Redditch Borough Council Housing Solutions – redditchbc.gov.uk/housing or call 01527 587 000.
9. Tenancy Deposit Schemes – depositprotection.com (DPS) • tenancydepositscheme (TDS) • mydeposits.co.uk (MyDeposits)

Tenant Support UK

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