Tenants given poor advice by councils, MPs and others

A new report commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation highlights widespread confusion among tenants regarding their rights when facing poor-quality housing. Many renters lack basic knowledge of their legal protections and struggle to find appropriate help when issues arise with landlords or letting agents.

The research, based on interviews with 46 renters and a broader survey of over 2,000 tenants, found that 60% of renters had experienced problems with their accommodation, yet half did not know where to seek assistance. The issue extends beyond tenants—councils, advice agencies, MPs’ offices, and solicitors often provide incorrect or overly generic guidance, frequently directing renters to local councils even when better solutions exist.

This misdirection wastes tenants’ time and erodes trust in the system. In response, the TDS Charitable Foundation recommends:

• A single, accessible source of housing advice
• Improved training for frontline staff
• Stronger enforcement of transparency requirements for landlords and agents

A spokesperson warns that without clearer information and better support services, the protections in the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill will be ineffective. Many tenants feel forced to accept poor conditions or move out due to the difficulty of navigating the dispute resolution process. The report calls for urgent reforms to ensure renters can access the help they need.