Sophie Gawryla, Research Impact and Engagement Manager at the UK Data Service, explores how research using UK Data Service data has supported impact assessments for renters’ rights reforms.
The private rental system in England is changing. The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 marks the first phase in a set of reforms giving tenants greater security.
Through ending no-fault evictions, strengthening standards around property conditions and introducing clearer duties for landlords, the Act responds to evidence that housing insecurity and unsafe living conditions are systemic problems rather than isolated issues.
This is important because renting is common—and not always a positive experience.
When poor housing becomes a health risk
In 2023, researchers from the House of Commons Library accessed the English Housing Survey through the UK Data Service and used it to highlight the experiences of those living in unsafe housing conditions.
This evidence was referenced in the impact assessment for Awaab’s Law, which was written following the tragic death of a child due to mould exposure in his social housing.
The assessment concluded from the research that a range of factors—including low income, fear of debt, damage to possessions from damp and mould, stigma, and social isolation—contribute to “sub-optimal mental wellbeing”.
It also referenced the demographic groups identified in the research—such as a lone-parent families, low-income households, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds—as being more likely to live in social housing with category 1 hazards.
Based on this, the impact assessment concluded:
“As research has shown that category 1 hazards disproportionately impact individuals from these groups, we anticipate that Awaab’s Law will have a positive impact on addressing this disproportionate impact, by mitigating these hazards.”
The law came into effect in October 2025 through the Hazards in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations. The Regulations set out a series of obligations that landlords must follow, such as investigate and remedy significant mould hazards within a set timeframe.
How has UK Data Service data had an impact on the Renters’ Rights Act?
Research by the Centre for Social Justice drew on aggregate census data, through the UK Data Service, to support the argument that insecure housing disrupts more than people’s living arrangements.
The study demonstrated how frequent moves affect the ability of renters to sustain employment, maintain social connections and develop a sense of belonging in their communities.
In the impact assessment of the then Renters’ Rights Bill, the UK Government used this evidence to highlight the wider consequences of housing insecurity.
The assessment noted that the research showed how the need to relocate prevents households from putting down roots and, on this basis, concluded that housing insecurity undermines wellbeing, neighbourhood cohesion and economic productivity.
It went on to argue that the Act is designed to tackle these issues by strengthening tenant’s rights and protections. This includes empowering tenants to contest unreasonable rent increases intended to force them out of their homes.
From data to impact
Looking ahead, the UK Government has also stated that the Renters’ Rights Act will extend the principles of Awaab’s Law into the private rented sector.
When implemented, this would apply similar requirements around the investigation and remediation of serious hazards, further strengthening protections for renters and addressing unsafe conditions.
As the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 moves from data, to legislation, to real-world impact, this evidence base provides important context for why reform has become necessary—and why ongoing data and research will remain central to understanding whether these changes deliver more stable, secure outcomes for renters across England.
Meet the team
(Left) Finn Dymond-Green (They/Them) is the Director of Impact at the UK Data Service.
(Middle) Eve Little (She/Her) is one of the Impact and Engagement Managers at the UK Data Service.
(Right) Sophie Gawryla (She/Her) is one of the Impact and Engagement Managers at the UK Data Service.
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