Most private tenants doubt the Renters Reform Bill will either be implemented or bring about tangible change.

A poll of more than 2,000 renters conducted by the TDS Charitable Foundation discovered that 42% of respondents believe the legislation would change very little about the sector, while 37% don’t think it will be implemented.

Although awareness of the proposed reforms has increased by 27% over the last 12 months, a substantial 83% of tenants remain unaware of the Bill and its contents, despite 69% of respondents saying that reform of the sector was long overdue.

Once the details had been explained to them, 61% agreed it would improve tenant rights. On the proposed removal of section 21 evictions, 60% agreed this would provide more security and stability, while 40% believed it would make them more inclined to engage with the new Ombudsman for private landlords. However, 8% of tenants disagreed that removing section 21 would contribute to a feeling of increased stability, and an additional 32% were undecided.

Unaware

Dr Jennifer Harris, head of policy and research at TDS Group, says it’s worrying that so many tenants are unaware of the Bill, despite it representing the biggest set of changes to the rental market for more than 30 years.

“It is vital that tenants feel able to challenge the minority of landlords failing to provide safe housing or a good enough service,” she adds. “This can only be achieved by ensuring renters understand the changes being made and are confident that they will help them to do so.”