Seven in ten renters are unaware of, or do not understand, the Renters' Rights Act, according to new research published today, despite the legislation marking the biggest change to renters' rights in a generation.
The survey, conducted just before the Act began to be implemented on 1 May, found that 69% of private sector tenants in England had either never heard of the Act or were unsure what it meant. Just a third, 32%, said they had heard of it and understood at least some of what it meant for them.
The findings raise concerns that important new legal protections could go unused unless awareness and understanding of the reforms improve significantly. The Act abolishes Section 21 'no fault' evictions, restricts how often rents can be increased, and introduces measures to end rental bidding wars.
The TDS Charitable Foundation, which works to advance education about housing rights and obligations in the private rented sector, surveyed more than 2,000 private renters in England to gather the data. Researchers found that awareness of the Act appeared lowest among groups who may be particularly vulnerable to poor housing experiences.
Almost half of students, 47%, had never heard of the Act, followed by low-income tenants and those living in bedsits or a room in a shared house.
One of the key changes in the Act makes it easier for tenants to challenge proposed rent increases above market rates. Despite this, almost four in five renters, 78%, said they were unaware of the tribunal that hears and rules on such cases.
The survey also suggests the Act may not lead to a significant rise in pet ownership among renters:
- Just 14% of renters said they intend to seek permission to keep a pet as a result of the reforms
- 69% were unaware of or did not understand the Act before it came into force
- 78% did not know about the tribunal that rules on rent increase disputes
Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at the TDS Charitable Foundation, said the findings point to a gap between legislation and understanding. "The Renters' Rights Act represents an historic turning point for renters and has the potential to significantly strengthen protections across the private rented sector," said Dr Harris.
"However, rights only make a difference if people know they exist and understand how to use them. It is therefore concerning that, just before the Act came into force, most renters either had not heard of it or did not understand what it meant for them. Particularly worrying is the fact that awareness is lowest amongst some of the groups most likely to experience challenges in the private rented sector.
"Whilst we welcome the Government's efforts to improve awareness of the reforms, these findings show there is still a significant job to do. Government, landlords, letting agents, advice services and sector organisations all have a role to play in ensuring renters understand their rights, know how to enforce them and can fully benefit from the protections the Act is designed to provide."
