Half of tenants don’t know their rights when facing problems – survey

Half of tenants don’t know their rights when facing problems – survey

0:01 AM, 30th April 2024, About 7 months ago 15

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Nearly half of all private renters in the UK would be lost if they faced problems with their landlord or letting agent, according to a survey.

The findings from the TDS Charitable Foundation, which polled more than 2,000 renters, found that 50% were unsure where to turn for assistance if their landlord or agent failed to address an issue within the property.

While 49% indicated they had some knowledge of available resources, the significant gap highlights a concerning lack of awareness about renters’ rights, the organisation says.

‘Biggest shake up of the private rented sector’

Dr Jennifer Harris, the head of policy and research at TDS Group said: “The Renters (Reform) Bill will see the biggest shake up of the private rented sector for a generation.

“However, it runs the risk of failing to achieve its objectives if tenants do not feel confident about where to go for help when things go wrong.”

She added: “New rights for tenants need to be matched by improved access to information about how to enforce them.

“Without this, the only winners will be the minority of landlords that are failing to provide safe housing.”

Respondents expressed a desire for clearer information

The survey also found that nearly half (48%) of respondents expressed a desire for clearer information on how to raise complaints when necessary.

Recognising this need, the Foundation is developing a dedicated website called ‘My Housing Issue’ gateway.

This one-stop platform will provide renters with clear guidance on how to address concerns related to their tenancies.

The survey’s findings come amidst the proposed Renters (Reform) Bill, which introduces a range of new rights for tenants, including a Decent Homes Standard and measures to prevent discrimination.


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Martin Roberts

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12:52 PM, 30th April 2024, About 7 months ago

Martin Roberts

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12:58 PM, 30th April 2024, About 7 months ago

Southern Boyuk

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18:11 PM, 30th April 2024, About 7 months ago

You can make a survey tell you With the questions asked, what you want it to tell you, enough said

Zen

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8:17 AM, 1st May 2024, About 7 months ago

Isn't this to be expected?

It's totally normal that the majority of people don't make the effort to find out about any kind of dispute resolution until they need it, otherwise all our heads would be filled with the whys and wherefores of how to complain about everything. We all sign many contracts with service providers but we don't absorb every detail about what to do if things go wrong until things go wrong.

In my 20 odd year's of being a landlord I always provide a folder filled with things like instructions on how to use the appliances, a copy of the contract, deposit certificate and information, gas safe cert as well as the how to rent guide etc. I find it in the bottom draw of the kitchen at the end of the tenancy with all the tenants gas safe certs added. It doesn't even get looked at until it's needed.

To me they are pointing out the obvious...

moneymanager

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17:59 PM, 1st May 2024, About 7 months ago

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