Tenants have told a new renting survey that they expect to challenge landlords and letting agents more about the management of properties and tenancies once the looming Renters’ Rights Bill goes live later this year.

The views are revealed within responses within the Generation Rent survey which, although not comprehensive by any means, gives a flavour of what will change once the draft legislation becomes law, and attitudes within the renting sector

The survey reveals that tenants believe the rule changes will give them more confidence in their rights and their ability to challenge landlords if they are unhappy about something.

68% said they will be more likely to contest rent increases

68% said they will be more likely to contest rent increases, 62% said they will be more likely to report tenancy issues, and 60% will more readily contact local councils about property concerns or safety issues.

The survey also reveals that one of the most welcomed changes is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, which 83% consider extremely important and another 69% believe will positively impact their lives.

When asked about what they believe were the causes of evictions, nearly a quarter of tenants believe landlords primarily evict to increase rents, while a similar proportion think it’s to sell properties, and a fifth suggest it’s to avoid addressing maintenance issues. Just a tenth acknowledge renting arrears as a factor, with even fewer (4%) citing antisocial behaviour.

Rent control

But, despite being generally optimistic about the effects of the bill, they want the Government to go further, because at the very top of tenants’ priority lists, is rent control, which is not included in it. 86% say it would have a positive impact on their lives, and almost three-quarters (73%) say that it would have a “very important” impact.

To satisfy tenants’ demands, Generation Rent is calling for:

1. Rent restrictions to end unfair rent rises. A limit to in-tenancy rent rises to whichever is lowest out of inflation and wage rises, so rents do not outpace the cost of living or peoples’ wages.
2. Tenant relocation relief for landlord-instigated evictions.  In evictions where the tenant is not at fault, the final two months’ rent should be waived to cover moving and relocation costs.
3. Restrictions on guarantor requirements for new renters. The Government should restrict guarantor requirements to tenants who cannot prove that their rent is affordable.
4. Requirement for landlords to post eviction notices on new database.  This would help tackle potential abuse by landlords of permitted grounds for eviction.
5. More affordable and social homes. The Government must build more affordable and social homes in places where people want to live, and adapted to people’s needs, including the disabled.