Renters Rights Act – most tenants are unaware or don’t understand it
Summary
A survey commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation found that most private renters in England were unaware of, or did not understand, the Renters Rights Act shortly before its implementation. The findings suggest that key protections, including the ability to challenge above-market rent increases, may be underused unless awareness improves.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors working in the private rented sector should be aware that tenant understanding of new rights may be limited, which can affect disputes, expectations and advice given around rent increases and tenancy issues. The article also highlights a likely need for clearer communication from landlords, letting agents and advisers as the reforms bed in.
Key points
- 69% of private renters in England had never heard of the Renters Rights Act or were unsure what it meant.
- Only 32% said they had heard of it and understood at least some of its implications.
- Awareness was especially low among students, low-income tenants and those in bedsits or shared houses.
- 78% of renters were unaware of the Tribunal used to challenge proposed rent increases above market rates.
- The TDS Charitable Foundation says landlords, letting agents and advice services all have a role in improving awareness.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
