Landlords have been encouraged to spread the word about rental reforms after a survey found more than two-thirds of tenants are unaware of, or don’t understand the Renters’ Rights Act.

TDS Charitable Foundation’s poll of more than 2,000 private renters in England just before 1st May found that 69% were in the dark about the reforms while only a third had heard of them and understood at least some of what they meant.

Awareness of the Act was lowest among groups who may be particularly vulnerable to poor housing experiences such as students, of whom almost half (47%) had never heard of the Act, followed by low-income tenants and those living in bedsits or a room in a shared house, according to the foundation.

Easier

Despite the Act seeking to make it easier for tenants to challenge proposed rent increases by landlords above market rates, 78% of renters said they were unaware of the property tribunal. The survey also suggests the Act may not lead to a significant increase in pet ownership among renters, with just 14% intending to seek permission to keep a pet as a result of the reforms.

Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at the TDS Charitable Foundation, says the findings raise serious concerns that important new legal protections could go unused unless awareness and understanding of the reforms significantly improves.

“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,” she adds.

Meanwhile, the NRLA has launched new knowledge hubs to support private landlords in the wake of the Renters’ Rights Act. As well as offering guidance on sector regulations and compliance needs, the hubs will provide tools, training and services focused around first time landlords, property investment, tenancy management and property management and maintenance.

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