Almost seven in 10 tenants have either never heard of the Renters Rights Act or are unsure what it will mean for them according to new research published today.

The findings come just days after the government outlines its plans to implement the most sweeping changes to the privately rented sector for almost 40 years.

The research finds that half of all private sector tenants (51%) have heard of the Act but remain unclear about its implications for them. Nearly one in five tenants (18%) remain completely unaware of the Act at all.

The data comes from a representative survey of over 1,000 private renters in England carried out by the TDS Charitable Foundation.

The Act, due to be implemented from May 1 next year, will introduce the biggest set of changes to the rental market for a generation, ending Section 21 evictions and fixed-term tenancies, giving renters stronger rights to challenge above-market rent increases, and improving access to housing for families with children and those receiving benefits.

Some 82% have said they want to receive more information about how the Renters’ Rights Act affects them.

When asked how they would prefer to access this information, 41% of renters favoured concise written guides on a dedicated website, followed by 35% opting for email newsletters, 26% for video content such as YouTube animations, and 21% for printed leaflets.

The government has committed to a dedicated tenant education campaign, starting a month before the Act begins to be implemented.

Dr Jennifer Harris – Head of Policy, Research and Social Impact at TDS Charitable Foundation – says: “The Renters’ Rights Act represents a landmark opportunity to empower tenants and hold the minority of landlords who break the rules to account. Yet our research makes one thing clear: awareness is dangerously low, and without urgent action, these reforms risk falling flat.

“With less than six months until implementation, the Government must quickly launch a high-profile campaign across a range of platforms to ensure renters understand their new rights and how to use them.  Without this, the Act’s promise of security and fairness will remain out of reach for millions.

“Waiting until just a month before the Act comes into force will not give tenants the time they need to properly get to grips with the changes to come and plan accordingly.”