Most renters are unaware of the Renters’ Rights Act

Research reveals that 69% of private renters in England have either never heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or are don’t know what it means.

The TDS Charitable Foundation’s survey was carried out before the Act’s implementation began on 1 May.

Only 32% said they had heard of the legislation and understood at least some of what it meant for them.

The findings raise questions over whether the government has done enough to explain reforms that now affect possession and rent increases, among the changes.

Act is a turning point

The charity’s head of research, Dr Jennifer Harris, said: “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.”

She added: “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.”

Low levels of awareness

The data comes from a representative survey of more than 2,000 private renters in England, with 47% of students saying they had never heard of the Act.

Lower levels of awareness were also recorded among low-income tenants and renters living in bedsits or rooms in shared houses.

One of the Act’s key changes is designed to make it easier for tenants to challenge proposed rent increases above market rates.

However, 78% of renters said they were unaware of the Tribunal that hears and rules on those cases.

Landlords must do more

The survey also found that the reforms may not trigger a large rise in pet ownership among renters.

It found that 14% of renters saying they intend to seek permission to keep a pet because of the changes.

Ms Harris said: “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.”