Renters unaware of Renters’ Rights Act protections

While it’s been headline news since 1 May, it appears that one in three tenants still don’t know anything about how the Renters’ Rights Act impacts them.

Research from Propoly found that 36% of tenants have little or no knowledge of the Act, despite the legislation bringing major changes to tenant protections and landlord responsibilities.

The survey of 1,050 tenants found that just 25% described themselves as ‘very familiar’ with the Act, while more than a third said they were either aware of it by name only or had no awareness of it at all.

Significant for the PRS

The tenancy platform’s chief executive, Sim Sekhon, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant moment for the lettings sector, and its success will largely depend on how well tenants understand and engage with it.

“If tenants aren’t aware of their rights, they are far less likely to raise issues with their letting agents or landlords, or to challenge situations where those rights may not be upheld.”

He added: “In many ways, awareness is the mechanism that turns policy into real, lived improvement.

“The good news is that tenants are very much in favour of the Act, and excited to enjoy greater security and protections in their home, so when agents and landlords do communicate the changes to them, it is almost universally well received.”

Contacted their landlord

The findings also point to limited engagement between tenants and those managing their homes.

Some 88% said they had not contacted their landlord or letting agent for guidance on how the Act could affect their tenancy and rights.

The same proportion had not sought information from solicitors, online resources, tenant advocacy groups or other sources.

Among tenants who had taken steps to understand the reforms, 26% said they had raised questions about changes to tenancy structures, including the abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies.

Tenant worries revealed

Questions about revised rent increase rules were highlighted by 21%, while the same proportion asked about stronger legal obligations for property standards, including damp and mould.

Pet ownership rights were another issue, with 18% of tenants who had sought advice saying they wanted to understand how the Act would affect them.

The research found that 60% of tenants felt confident in their understanding of how the Act would affect their tenancy, leaving 40% who did not.

While 44% of tenants said they had no concerns about the changes, 23% expressed worries or confusion about rent increases.

A further 17% were concerned that the new regulatory landscape could lead to more frequent, intrusive or stringent property inspections and increased oversight during their tenancy.

The research also raised tenant concerns about whether landlords could seek to force evictions over minor breaches once the new rules are in place.