Renters’ Rights Act will only work if tenants are empowered to use it

The 1st of May is a historic day for renters and landlords across England, as nearly 40 years of law underpinning the private rented sector comes to an end.

Abolishing ‘no fault’ evictions and ending fixed term tenancies should, in principle, make renting fairer and more secure. However, the Government must avoid assuming its work is complete.

Awareness is the make-or-break factor

The real test of reform is whether tenants and landlords can understand the new rules, navigate them confidently, and access timely redress when something goes wrong.

When a system changes quickly, the risk is that the people who most need protections never get to use them. That’s why awareness and practical support must be treated as an essential part of implementation.

Preliminary findings from TDS’ Voice of the Tenant 2026 survey (due to be published shortly) highlight the scale of that challenge. Over two-thirds of renters (69%) have either never heard of the Act or are unclear about what it means for them.

In other words, millions may be renting under a new framework without the knowledge needed to benefit from it.

Awareness gaps aren’t just abstract – they directly weaken enforcement mechanisms that the Act is designed to strengthen. For example, 78% of tenants are unaware they can challenge rent increases at a tribunal. This undermines a central protection intended to help renters respond when affordability pressures bite.

Helping tenants navigate and enforce their rights

Passing the law is a milestone, but it is only the first step. The priority now is ensuring every tenant can understand their protections and use them in the moments that matter: when an unaffordable rent increase lands, when repairs are ignored, or when someone is facing eviction.

The TDS Charitable Foundation’s ‘My Housing Issue Gateway’ will continue to help tenants navigate and enforce their newfound rights. This interactive online tool guides renters through the housing redress system and points them to the most appropriate route for their situation. The Gateway content has been updated for the Renters’ Rights Act so tenants can trust the information is current.

The Foundation has also teamed up with charity partner Crisis to develop a clear, practical renters guide to the Act. A PDF and series of short and accessible video explainers show what the changes mean day to day (for example, getting repairs done). It also covers situations that raise the risk of homelessness, such as falling behind on rent or facing eviction. The aim is simple: help tenants understand their options, find the right support, and use the protections when it counts.

Conclusion

Good guidance exists but the Government and wider sector must make sure it actually reaches tenants in clear, accessible formats and in the places they already look for help.

The 1^st of May is a historic milestone but now the focus must shift to delivery: ensuring every renter has the information, confidence and routes to redress needed to put their new rights into practice.