As the Renters’ Rights Bill moves through Parliament, the TDS Charitable Foundation has submitted crucial evidence to inform MPs debate of this landmark legislation. Our research highlights five main factors that are key to ensuring the reforms truly raise standards and empower renters across the sector.
1. Making the Removal of Section 21 Work for Tenants
Removing Section 21 may give tenants more security, but it’s not enough on its own. Tenants need clear information on how to report issues, especially if they experience unfair rent increases or poor property conditions. Public awareness campaigns and endorsement of our own My Housing Issue Gateway – could make it much easier for tenants to access support and use their new rights effectively.
2. Building a Strong and Effective Property Database
Our research shows that a successful Property Database will be designed with two clear purposes in mind: to stop criminal landlords from renting out properties and help well-meaning landlords avoid unintentional mistakes. Based on insights from landlord registration schemes in other parts of the UK, we recommend using Unique Property Reference Numbers to monitor compliance, alongside a requirement to upload key documents, including the deposit protection certificate.
3. Educating Landlords on New Responsibilities
To keep landlords informed about their new obligations, we urge the Government to clarify who will be responsible for delivering education and guidance. If Councils will lead this, these activities must be properly funded and supported by a coordinated campaign with groups like TDS to reach landlords nationwide.
4. Boosting Landlord Confidence in the Sector
With more landlords leaving the affordable part of the private rented sector, it’s essential to explore ways to maintain landlord confidence. We suggested looking into alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to help with possession claims for the mandatory grounds of possession, which could speed up the process. For this to work, the evidence thresholds should be outlined in statutory guidance.
5. Simplifying Redress for Tenants
We strongly recommend ensuring the new landlord ombudsman adds simplicity, not complexity, to the redress landscape. Ideally, this ombudsman could fit within the existing redress system in the private rented sector, whilst working toward a single, accessible point of contact for tenants. The TDS Charitable Foundation’s My Housing Issue Gateway already shows how this “single front door” approach could work in practice.
Further information
A full copy of the submission to the committee is available here
TDS Charitable Foundation funds a range of research projects to inform policy making and debate, including two regular national surveys with landlords and tenants and a three-year long partnership with the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (jointing funded with SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust). All past reports can be found here.
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