The Renters’ Reform Bill, recently presented to Parliament on 17 May 2023, introduces a range of fresh legal rights for tenants. With provisions that enable tenants to voice grievances through a dedicated private rented sector landlord ombudsman and access property information via a novel portal, the bill aims to eradicate no-fault evictions by scrapping Section 21.
Nonetheless, the findings from a study conducted by a housing charity in March and April 2023 reveal that both scarcity of housing options and affordability pressures act as influential factors impeding tenants’ willingness to assert their existing legal rights.
While the majority of respondents in the survey conducted by the TDS Charitable Foundation initially reported their tenancy-related issues to their landlords or letting agents (87%), only a meager percentage sought further redress from local authorities or legal bodies when dissatisfied with the response (23%).
The primary reasons for tenants’ reluctance to escalate their complaints revolve around concerns of potential eviction, the daunting task of securing alternative suitable accommodation, and the desire to maintain a favourable tenant image.
The data also indicates tenants’ hesitancy in making requests that could enhance their renting experience, such as seeking energy efficiency upgrades. Approximately 44% of respondents admitted struggling to meet utility expenses in February and March 2023, with a substantial number believing that their dwelling’s energy efficiency could be improved (47%). However, the majority refrained from requesting enhancements due to apprehensions about jeopardizing their tenancy (61%).
Steve Harriott, the CEO of TDS, expressed his support for the Renters’ Reform Bill but highlighted that the study suggests the removal of Section 21 alone might not suffice to instill tenants with the confidence to complain about substandard conditions to their landlords or the newly established ombudsman.
“In the upcoming months, our aim is to delve deeper into these issues to assist the government in devising strategies that boost tenants’ confidence in engaging with landlords and other relevant parties regarding matters affecting their tenancy,” Harriott stated.