LATEST NEWS

The TDS Charitable Foundation has submitted evidence to the Government’s recent call for evidence on housing disrepair claims. Our submission highlights a critical but often overlooked issue in the private rented sector: too few tenants know where to turn when their housing issues aren’t resolved.

The Tenancy Dispute Service’s goal is that every tenant feels confident their deposit is protected and that they will be treated fairly when their tenancy ends. To support that aim, we are launching new research to explore tenants’ experiences of our service when they have problems getting their deposit back. This includes tenants who have used our free dispute resolution services and those who chose to handle disputes in other ways.

New analysis from Northern Ireland’s leading independent provider of specialist housing advice, Housing Rights, reveals deepening pressures on private renters across Northern Ireland.

The TDS Charitable Foundation was pleased to give evidence to the London Assembly Housing Committee on implementing and monitoring the Renters’ Rights Act in the capital.

The UK Government has now confirmed that all privately rented homes in England and Wales must reach a band C (or above) on their Energy Performance Certificates by 2030. This long-awaited decision provides clarity for landlords and sets a clear timeline for improving the energy efficiency of the private rented sector (PRS).

TDS is proud to publish its latest Social Impact Report 2024-25, highlighting the difference it is making to individuals, communities and society across the UK. The report marks a major step forward in TDS’ journey to better understand, measure and grow the social impact that it creates.

The publication of the Government’s national homelessness strategy has been broadly welcomed across the sector. Its ambition to end homelessness, set clear targets to half long-term rough sleeping by 2029 and a renewed focus on prevention are all positive steps.

In November, the TDS Charitable Foundation was invited as an expert witness to give oral evidence at the HCLG Select Committee’s inquiry into housing conditions. It was a valuable chance to share our latest research shaped by the real voices and experiences of landlords and tenants. The session raised thoughtful questions, and it was encouraging to see Committee members engaged in how to ensure the Renters’ Rights Act delivers for both tenants and landlords.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced in the Autumn Budget that property income tax will increase by 2% from 2027. Media coverage has been quick to suggest that this – alongside other tax increases – will inevitably be passed on to tenants through higher rents or will prompt landlords to exit the market.

New research from the TDS Charitable Foundation shows that almost seven in ten renters either haven’t heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or don’t know what it means for them.

The Renters’ Rights Bill has officially achieved Royal Assent, marking a historic milestone for those who live and work in the private rented sector (PRS) in England.

TDS has joined over 40 housing sector leaders in signing a letter that calls on the UK Government to unfreeze housing benefit for private renters.

Living in a warm and energy efficient home is so important to our health and wellbeing. It lowers the risk of illness, reduces the stress of high energy bills and plays a role in tackling the climate crisis.  

Over a million households in England’s Private Rented Sector live in homes that don’t meet basic health and safety standards[1]. Most landlords and letting agents already provide safe, good-quality homes for their tenants, but poorly maintained properties risk damaging the reputation of the whole sector.

For many people, a pet isn’t just part of their ideal home, it’s a part of the family. Yet with Zoopla reporting that as little as 7% of its private rented listings are pet-friendly, it’s a dream that is out of reach for many renters.

The majority of tenants in rental properties (55%) now have smart meters, new research shows. Findings from our 2025 Voice of the Landlord and Voice of the Tenant surveys shows they are the third-commonest energy efficiency measure installed in rental properties (after insulation and more efficient gas boilers). Just under half of all landlords have installed them. Another 41% say they will prioritise this energy efficiency measure in future.

The UK private rented sector is currently waiting for the Government’s response to a consultation on raising the minimum energy efficiency standards. The proposals involve raising the minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating for rental properties from E to C by 2030.  

The Government has announced the next steps for the implementation of Awaab’s Law in the social rented sector, which comes into effect in October this year.   So why is this important for private landlords? It’s likely that these proposals will be the model to follow for the private rented sector as Awaab’s Law will be introduced as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which will become law later this year.

At TDS, we work with letting agents across the country who take pride in doing the right thing—ensuring landlords meet their responsibilities, helping tenants navigate their tenancies, and resolving disputes fairly and professionally.

The TDS Charitable Foundation is running a survey of English landlords for a second time.