More than four out of five tenants remain unaware of the Renters (Reform) Bill and its contents, according to new research.
The data comes from a representative survey of over 2,000 private renters conducted by the TDS Charitable Foundation, which works to advance education about housing rights and obligations in the private rented sector.
The Bill contains key measures such as ending ‘no fault’ section 21 evictions, developing a new decent homes standard for te private rented sector and creating a new Ombudsman for private landlords.
Whilst awareness of the proposed reforms has increased by 27% over the last 12 months, a substantial 83% of tenants still remain unaware of the Bill and its proposals. This was despite 69 per cent of respondents saying that reform of the sector was long overdue.
Following an explanation of the details of the Bill, 61% agreed that it will improve tenant rights.
On the proposed removal of section 21 evictions, 60% agreed that this would provide more security and stability, and 40 per cent said it would make them more inclined to engage with the new Ombudsman for private landlords. However, eight per cent of tenants disagreed that removing section 21 would contribute to a feeling of increased stability, and an additional 32 per cent were undecided on this matter.
A significant portion of tenants were pessimistic about whether the reforms would be implemented or bring about tangible change. 42 per cent of respondents said the Bill would change very little about the sector, and 37% said they do not believe it will be implemented.
Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy and research at TDS Group, 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.
“The TDS Foundation will continue to work to ensure tenants fully understand and make use of their rights to ensure the Bill works. “
I have yet to talk to a tenant who has any idea, let alone understanding, of the Renters (Reform) Bill. Well done TDS Charitable Foundation for trying to raise awareness, but surely with all the vitriol being spewed out by the likes of Shelter and Crises against landlords and agents, perhaps they should be leading the charge to educate tenants? There is no central resource either Government based or in the PRS to notify tenants when new legislation is either proposed or enacted which could affect them, be it for better or worse. Perhaps such a resource could be included within the Bill? In an unregulated industry, where agents are not required to have any qualification, let alone complete CPD – how many agents’ only source of knowledge is PIE…..!!
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The PRS is NOT unregulated by any measure and its shocking to hear someone (I assume) in the industry say otherwise.
Material Information, AML, MEES, Property Licencing, Fitness for Human Habitation, Fire Safety, Gas Safety, Electrical Safety, Tenant Fees to name but a few changes in the last couple of years….
We are property agents, not the FCA or Border Control and yet we do their jobs too. How on earth can someone say “in an unregulated industry”?!
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