28th
Mar 2024
Although there is a constant PRS landlord baiting with new regulations and media campaigns in the press, the majority of private renters are not aware of the Renters Reform Bill and its ‘tenant friendly’ measures.
The Renters Bill is the biggest shake up of the private rental sector in over 30 years with the most contentious of measures of scrapping Section 21 evictions, alongside the introduction of a new decent homes standard.
Despite this a recent survey from the TDS Charitable Foundation of 2,000 tenants finds that although there is support for reforming the sector 83 per cent of private renters have not heard of the Bill.
The charity does say that over the last twelve months tenants’ awareness of the proposed changes has risen by 27 per cent.
The head of policy and research at TDS Group, Dr Jennifer Harris, said: “The Bill represents the biggest set of changes to the rental market for over 30 years.
“Given this, it is worrying that so many tenants are unaware of what it is and what it seeks to achieve.
“It is vital that tenants feel able to challenge the minority of landlords failing to provide safe housing or a good enough service.
“This can only be achieved by ensuring renters understand the changes being made and are confident that they will help them to do so.”
She adds: “The TDS Foundation will continue to work to ensure tenants fully understand and make use of their rights to ensure the Bill works.”
When the participants were told about the Bill 61 per cent said it would undoubtedly improve their rights, and 60 per cent said ending Section 21 would make them feel far safer in their rented home – however 8 per cent did not agree.
The introduction of a new Ombudsman over private landlords was welcomed by 40 per cent of renters.
Being asked if the Bill’s proposed changes would bring about ‘tangible change’ 42 per cent of tenants said it would make little difference to the sector, whilst 37 per cent said they are not confident that it will ever see the light of day.
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