Almost seven in ten renters have either never heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or are unsure what it means for them, according to new research published today.
The findings follow the Government’s announcement of plans to introduce the most significant reforms to the private rented sector in nearly four decades.
The research shows that while just over half of private tenants (51%) have heard of the Act, they do not fully understand its implications. A further 18% say they are completely unaware of it.
The data is based on a representative survey of more than 1,000 private renters in England, conducted by the TDS Charitable Foundation, which promotes education on housing rights and responsibilities in the private rented sector.
The Act, due to be implemented from 1 May 2026, will introduce the biggest set of changes to the rental market for a generation, ending Section 21 evictions and fixed-term tenancies, giving renters stronger rights to challenge above-market rent increases, and improving access to housing for families with children and those receiving benefits.
Given the importance of the Act, most tenants (82%) have said they want to receive more information about how the Renters’ Rights Act affects them.
When asked how they would prefer to access this information, 41% renters favored concise written guides on a dedicated website, followed by 35% opting for email newsletters, 26% for video content such as YouTube animations, and 21% for printed leaflets.
Whilst the government has committed to a dedicated tenant education campaign, it has said this will not start until a month before the Act begins to be 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. 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.”
