Are you aware of the new rights coming in for renters?

Damp and mould can be a costly and dangerous problem for renters - and sadly, it’s a common one too.

Research by Confused.com shows that nearly one in three (30%) renters have had problems with their home, including:

• mould - 40%
• condensation - 30%
• damp - 30%

The good news is that stronger protections for renters are on the way. 

But the bad news is that many people don’t yet know about them.

Landlords must soon adhere to new quality standards

As part of the new Renters’ Rights Act, Awaab’s Law will be extended to private rentals, so landlords will have to act more quickly on serious issues like damp and mould.

In other words, they’ll no longer be able to ignore problems that make your home unsafe or unhealthy.

But awareness of these new rights, which will be introduced in May, remains low, especially in London.

In fact, the London Assembly Housing Committee has warned that only one in three (35%) renters have heard of the Renters’ Rights Act.

And even when people do understand the law, four in ten (40%) don’t feel confident enough to take action against their landlord.

“Awareness of the new law is worryingly low,” said committee chair Zoe Garbett.

“Without clear information and support, many renters simply won't benefit from the protections the act is meant to deliver.”

She’s now urging London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to make sure steps are taken to ensure Londoners “understand these new rights before the law comes into force”.

What else is in the Renters’ Rights Act?

The new law also includes measures such as:

• ending Section 21 - or no-fault - evictions
• ending estate agent bidding wars
• limiting the ability of landlords to raise rent
• preventing landlords from refusing tenants because they have children or claim benefits
• creating a new database of landlords and rental properties to boost compliance and visibility
• introducing a new private rented sector landlord ombudsman

The government believes this marks the biggest increase in renters’ rights in a generation.

“For decades, the scales have been tipped against tenants,” he said.

“Now, we’re levelling the playing field between renters and landlords."