22% of private renters understand Renters’ Rights Act, data finds
Housing Hand found that only 34% of renters knew what the Act was and 37% had heard of it but did not know what it involves.
Only 22% of private renters said they understood how the Renters’ Rights Act, which comes into force on 1st May 2026, impacts their rights, according to Housing Hand.
Housing Hand found that 20% of those who understood the Act would choose to rent a different type of property due to the changes, while another 27% might consider it.
Data also showed that 17% of renters research properties more than six months before moving, and 7% secure accommodation that far ahead.
The report, Understanding Renters in 2026, showed that only 34% of renters knew what the Act was, 37% had heard of it but did not know what it involves, and 29% did not know about it at all.
Most renters said they had learnt about the Act from online resources, including housing, government and charity websites.
Only 3% had heard about it from their landlord.
88% of renters did not know the implementation date for the Act three months before it came into force, while 42% said they find the UK rental market confusing.
Only 19% of student renters understood how the Act would affect their rights.
Housing Hand said it is working with clients and partners including landlords, universities and purpose-built student accommodation operators to raise awareness, with resources and webinars to help renters understand the Act.
Graham Hayward, managing director at Housing Hand, said: “Our second annual Understanding Renters report reveals significant gaps in knowledge in relation to the Renters’ Rights Act.
“With implementation now upon us, accommodation providers will need to work closely with their tenants to support successful rental experiences in this new landscape.
“Housing Hand is working proactively with its accommodation providers, landlords and lettings agents, as well as with our guarantor clients, to ensure this is the case.”
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