Majority of renters unaware of Renters’ Rights Act

New findings reveal the majority of tenants have a lack of awareness about the Renters’ Rights Act, as the government admits a tenant campaign about the act will not be ready until a month before it begins.

The TDS Charitable Foundation reveals in a poll of 1,000 renters that seven in ten have never heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or are unsure what it will mean for them.

The Renters’ Rights Act will be implemented on 1 May 2026, with both the abolition of Section 21 and the end of fixed-term tenancies taking effect immediately.

Awareness is dangerously low

Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at TDS Charitable Foundation, says the government must do more to raise awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act, as research shows 82% of tenants want more information about how the Act will affect them.

She 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.”

According to TDS charitable foundation research, when asked how they would prefer to access this information, 41% of renters favoured concise written guides on a dedicated website, followed by 35% opting for email newsletters, 26% for video content such as YouTube animations, and 21% for printed leaflets.

Property118 commercial reality check

Tenant awareness will stay low until the government finally delivers clarity, so landlords must build their own certainty. Noise in the policy space is guaranteed. Professional preparation is optional, yet it is the only thing that consistently pays.

What landlords should do next

Model tenancy transition points now. Run the numbers on likely turnover, renewal patterns and cash flow under periodic tenancies. Early modelling protects liquidity and preserves negotiating strength.

Document and audit readiness. Keep full records of inspections, communications and compliance evidence in a single, organised file. Clean documentation reduces friction if disputes rise as tenants become more rights-aware.

Structural planning. Review ownership routes and company structures to maintain flexibility in a landscape where fixed terms no longer offer predictable time horizons.

Advantage through professionalism

Discipline beats uncertainty. The landlords who plan, model and structure early will stay in command while others wait for government clarity that may never arrive on time.