Two thirds of London renters have never heard of the Renters’ Rights Act or do not understand what it means for them – with just five weeks until the law takes effect.
The London Assembly’s Housing Committee has raised concerns that the low awareness could undermine the major reforms coming into force on 1 May 2026, including the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions and the end of fixed-term tenancies.
Awareness ‘worryingly low’ as deadline nears
In a letter published by the committee, members warned that 65 percent of renters in the capital either do not know the Act exists or fail to grasp its implications.
Zoe Garbett, chair of the Housing Committee at the London Assembly, said: “The Renters’ Rights Act will introduce major changes to renting, but these reforms will only work if renters know about them and feel confident exercising their rights when faced with unlawful behaviour from non-compliant landlords.”
Garbett added: “Our investigation found awareness of the new law is worryingly low. Without clear information and support, many renters simply won’t benefit from the protections the Act is meant to deliver.”
The first phase of the legislation takes effect on 1 May and introduces changes including bans on rental bidding and advance rent payments.
Mayor urged to use all channels
The committee has called for a London-wide approach to communicating the new measures. Members argued the mayor’s communications should use all available channels, including digital platforms and advertising across the Transport for London network.
The letter also recommended close coordination with boroughs, renters’ organisations and housing charities to spread the message before the deadline.
Garbett said: “The mayor has the reach to ensure Londoners understand these new rights before the law comes into force.”
This follows Landlord Knowledge’s report on three in four landlords being unprepared for the Renters’ Rights Act, which found significant confusion about the new requirements among property owners. The latest findings suggest tenants face similar gaps in understanding, with both sides of the tenancy relationship struggling to grasp what the Act will mean in practice.
For landlords concerned about compliance, our guide to the new information sheet requirements outlines the paperwork obligations coming into force.
What this means for landlords
- If you’re managing London properties: Expect confusion from tenants unfamiliar with new rules – proactive communication about changes could reduce disputes.
- Watch for: Tenants unaware of new protections may not realise practices like rental bidding are now banned, creating compliance risks for agents who continue them.
- Bottom line: Landlords prepared for the Act may face tenants who are not – clear communication benefits both sides.
Editor’s view
The London Assembly’s findings expose a communication failure that could hobble the RRA before it starts. Landlords have spent months preparing for new rules, but if tenants do not understand them, disputes will multiply and tribunals will clog. The mayor’s office needs to act fast.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 26 March 2026
Sources: London Assembly Housing Committee
Related reading: Three in four landlords unprepared as Renters’ Rights Act deadline looms
📘 Renters’ Rights Act: Complete Landlord Guide
Everything you need to know about the new rules – 1 May 2026
