New research highlights knowledge gap ahead of May implementation of new rental law
Approximately seven in 10 private sector tenants in England have either not encountered or lack understanding of the Renters' Rights Act, according to a new study.
The TDS Charitable Foundation survey, which involved more than 1,000 respondents from the private rental sector, demonstrates that just over half of tenants (51%) possess some familiarity with the legislation but struggle to comprehend what it will signify for their circumstances. A further 18% remain entirely ignorant of the new law's existence.
The findings emerge as the government details plans to deliver the most substantial reform of the rented market in nearly four decades. The legislation, scheduled to come into effect on May 1 next year, will fundamentally reshape the rental landscape through the abolition of 'no-fault' eviction provisions, the elimination of fixed-term tenancies, enhanced protections against excessive rent adjustments, and strengthened access provisions for families with dependants and individuals receiving state assistance.
Results of the survey further demonstrate substantial demand for educational material, with 82% of renters indicating they wish to receive greater information regarding how the legislation will affect them.
When questioned regarding their preferred methods of receiving information, 41% indicated a preference for succinct written materials hosted on a dedicated online platform. Email newsletters were favoured by 35%, while 26% expressed interest in audiovisual materials including online tutorials, and 21% preferred physical documentation.
Landlords, like tenants, are seeking greater clarity on the new law. Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, stressed that unless the government urgently publishes all the guidance documents and written material needed to update tenancy agreements to reflect the changes to come, the plan will prove less a roadmap and more a path to inevitable failure.
"Without this, landlords, tenants, agents, councils and the courts will be left without the information required to adapt, creating utter confusion at the very moment clarity is most needed," Beadle said.
The government has pledged to initiate an informational campaign targeting the tenant population; however, this initiative is not expected to commence until four weeks preceding the Act's effective date.
"The Renters' Rights Act represents a landmark opportunity to empower tenants and hold the minority of landlords who break the rules to account," said Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at TDS Charitable Foundation. "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."
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