Nearly seven in 10 renters in England have either never heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or are unsure what it will mean for them, according to research from TDS Charitable Foundation.
The survey found that 51% of private renters have heard of the Act but remain unclear about its implications.
Nearly one in five (18%) are completely unaware of it.
82% of tenants said they want more information on how the Act will affect them.
When asked how they would prefer to access information, 41% chose written guides on a dedicated website, 35% email newsletters, 26% video content, and 21% printed leaflets.
The Government said it will run a tenant education campaign, but this will not begin until a month before the Act is implemented.
Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at TDS Charitable Foundation, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act represents a landmark opportunity to empower tenants and hold the minority of landlords who break the rules to account.
“Yet our research makes one thing clear: awareness is dangerously low, and without urgent action, these reforms risk falling flat.
“With less than six months until implementation, the Government must quickly launch a high-profile campaign across a range of platforms to ensure renters understand their new rights and how to use them.”
Harris added: “Without this, the Act’s promise of security and fairness will remain out of reach for millions.
“Waiting until just a month before the Act comes into force will not give tenants the time they need to properly get to grips with the changes to come and plan accordingly.”
