"The Renters’ Rights Act represents a landmark opportunity to empower tenants and hold the minority of landlords who break the rules to account. Yet our research makes one thing clear: awareness is dangerously low, and without urgent action, these reforms risk falling flat"
- Dr Jennifer Harris - TDS Group
Almost seven in 10 renters have either never heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or are unsure what it will mean for them, according to new research published today.
The findings emerge just days after the government revealed plans for the most extensive changes to the privately rented sector in nearly 40 years.
The research shows that half of all private sector tenants (51%) have heard of the Act but remain unclear about its implications. Nearly one in five tenants (18%) is completely unaware of the Act.
The data comes from a representative survey of over 1,000 private renters in England conducted by the TDS Charitable Foundation, an organisation that works to advance education about housing rights and obligations in the private rented sector.
The Act, which is due to be implemented from 1 May next year, will bring the most significant changes to the rental market in a generation. It will end ‘no-fault’ evictions and fixed-term tenancies, give renters stronger rights to challenge above-market rent increases, and improve access to housing for families with children and those receiving benefits.
Given the importance of the Act, an overwhelming majority of tenants (82%) said they want more information about how it will affect them.
When asked about preferred formats for receiving this information:
41% of renters said they would like concise written guides on a dedicated website
35% opted for email newsletters
26% preferred video content, such as YouTube animations
21% chose printed leaflets
While the government has committed to a dedicated tenant education campaign, it has stated this will not begin until a month before the Act is implemented.
Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at TDS Charitable Foundation, said, “The Renters’ Rights Act represents a landmark opportunity to empower tenants and hold the minority of landlords who break the rules to account. Yet our research makes one thing clear: awareness is dangerously low, and without urgent action, these reforms risk falling flat."
“With less than six months until implementation, the Government must quickly launch a high-profile campaign across a range of platforms to ensure renters understand their new rights and how to use them. Without this, the Act’s promise of security and fairness will remain out of reach for millions."
“Waiting until just a month before the Act comes into force will not give tenants the time they need to properly get to grips with the changes to come and plan accordingly.”
