The government has stepped up its information campaign to make sure landlords prepare for the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act.

With just six weeks until the Act kicks in, it’s reminding them to share the government’s information sheet with existing tenants by 31st May. This will explain how the Act affects their tenancy and is expected to be released in the next few days. It can then be downloaded from gov.uk.

The ‘six ways to get yourself ready for new renters’ rights’ advises landlords to pay attention to the ‘simple’ tasks and speak to their letting agent about the changes. It says: read up on the rules and sign up to government alerts, get vital paperwork ready, fix your rent increase routine, check your ads are compatible with the Act, keep proper trail of your due diligence and says student landlords should write to tenants by 31st May if they want to give notice to end the tenancy using Ground 4A. 

It suggests landlords should visit its Housing Hub campaign page to keep up to date with changes, while a helpful landlord's checklist can also be found here along with a simple explainer.  

London

Meanwhile, the London Assembly Housing Committee has raised fears that many of the capital’s renters are still in the dark about the changes. It wants mayor Sadiq Khan to make good on his promise to raise awareness of renters’ new rights and to put posters up throughout the Transport for London network until June as part of an information campaign.

Its investigation, which heard from groups including four renters’ organisations, the NRLA, three local authorities in London, and housing policy experts, highlighted that awareness of the Act is low, while renters lack the confidence to exercise their rights. It warns that without clear communication; the Act risks being undermined from the outset.

Committee chair Zoë Garbett says: “The Renters’ Rights Act will introduce major changes to renting, but these reforms will only work if renters know about them and feel confident exercising their rights when faced with unlawful behaviour from non-compliant landlords.”

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