Seven in ten renters are unaware of, or do not understand, the Renters Rights Act

A survey, conducted just before the Act’s May implementation date – with results released only today – 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 TDS Charitable Foundation, which commissioned the study, says the findings raise serious concerns that important new legal protections could go unused unless awareness and understanding of the reforms significantly improves.

The survey involved a representative sample of over 2,000 private renters in England.

Awareness of the Act appeared to be lowest among groups who may be particularly vulnerable to poor housing experiences. This included students, of whom almost half (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 seeks to make it easier for tenants to challenge proposed rent increases by landlords above market rates. 

Despite this, almost four in five (78%) of renters 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 increase in pet ownership amongst renters, with just 14% saying they intend to seek permission to keep a pet as a result of the reforms.

Dr Jennifer Harris of the TDS Charitable Foundation says: “The Renters Rights Act represents an historic turning point for renters and has the potential to significantly strengthen protections across the private rented sector.

“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.”