Four out of five tenants don’t know about renting reforms
The Renters (Reform) Bill contains measures such as ending ‘no fault’ section 21 evictions and developing a new decent homes standard.
Four out of five tenants remain unaware of the Renters (Reform) Bill and its contents despite the numerous benefits they stand to gain if it’s ever becomes law, research from the TDS Charitable Foundation reveals.
The Renters (Reform) Bill contains measures such as ending ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions, developing a new decent homes standard for the private rented sector and creating a new Ombudsman for private landlords.
OBLIVIOUS
Whilst awareness of the proposed reforms has increased by 27% over the last 12 months more than eight out of 10 (83%) are still oblivious to the Bill and its proposals – despite seven out of 10 (69%) saying that reform was long overdue.
Once the Bill was explained to them, six out of 10 (61%) agreed that it would improve their rights.
A similar number (60%) agreed that the removal of Section 21 evictions would provide more security and stability and four out of 10 (40%) said it would make them more inclined to engage with the new Ombudsman for private landlords.
Worryingly, four out of 10 (42%) 42 said the Bill would change little about the sector and a similar numner (37%) didn’t believe it would ever be implemented.
BIGGEST CHANGES
Dr Jennifer Harris, TDS Group, says: “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.”
She adds: “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.”
But did anyone ask what they thought about no fixed term tenancies that hardly increases security for tenant or landlord. I would say in my office where we traditionally have tenancies which are much longer than the national average this is one of the biggest concerns for tenants and landlords when we talk to them. We have just signed two new two year tenancies this week for tenants who wanted security going forward they would not be able to obtain that security under proposed changes.
We have also seen an increase in demand for three month tenancies “while we complete our purchase” this is expensive for landlords and at present most prefer a minimum one year let many will now be caught with constant short term tenancies because yes people lie about the term they want. Oh how I wish MPs would talk to the professionals.