There is widespread confusion and a lack of awareness amongst tenants about their rights if they experience poor quality housing according to a report from the TDS Charitable Foundation.

The report found that whilst six in ten renters experienced problems with the standard or quality of their accommodation, half of them did not know where to go when their landlord or letting agent fails to address an issue they have reported.

Dr Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy and Research at TDS Group, said: “Worryingly, many of the tenants we spoke to felt they had no choice but to accept the situation or move out when they were facing challenges with their landlord or letting agent.

“Most said they found navigating the dispute resolution landscape difficult and frustrating. This is a clear sign that the current system is not working.

“If people don’t know their rights or where to go for help, the new protections included in the Renters’ Rights Bill will be meaningless.

“We urgently need clearer information, stronger advice services, and much better signposting from the organisations renters rely on.”

The research found that organisations such as councils, advice agencies, MPs’ offices and solicitors gave tenants incorrect or overly generic guidance, typically defaulting to local councils.