Renter’s Rights Act - Awareness Drive

Funding has been ring fenced to ensure all tenant’s know their rights

The government has confirmed that it is significantly increasing its efforts to ensure tenants understand their new rights under the Renters’ Rights Act, alongside its existing engagement with landlords.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has said that a national information drive is already under way for landlords and local authorities, and that this will be widened to focus directly on tenants from April.

According to the Minister, guidance for councils and landlords has already been issued to help them prepare for the first phase of the reforms, which are due to come into effect from 1 May 2026. Separate guidance written specifically for tenants is expected to be published shortly.

As part of this approach, the government is rolling out a broad communications programme designed to explain the new rules and what they mean in practice. This includes paid advertising aimed at landlords, media activity and a dedicated campaign website. From April, the same campaign will be adapted to target tenants and highlight the new protections and rights available to them.

Alongside the public information campaign, additional funding has been made available to Shelter to expand capacity on its specialist housing advice line.

The intention, according to the government, is to ensure that tenants – particularly those who may find it harder to access information or professional advice – are able to obtain clear and up-to-date guidance as the reforms take effect.

The Expert Housing Advice Line provides legal and practical support to tenants on issues such as eviction, disputes with landlords and other housing-related problems.

Shelter already receives funding from central and local government to deliver housing services. Recent figures show that this includes several million pounds each year through a combination of public sector contracts and grants.

The government has said that this funding is intended to support frontline advice and service delivery, rather than campaigning activity, and forms part of its wider strategy to improve understanding and compliance with the new rental framework introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act.