Government Expands Shelter Funding to Promote Tenant Awareness

The UK government has announced increased funding for Shelter’s Expert Housing Advice Line to support tenants in understanding their rights under the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed that while a communications campaign targeting landlords has already been launched, a tenant-focused campaign will commence in April 2026, ahead of the Act’s Phase 1 implementation on 1 May 2026.

Multi-Platform Campaign to Inform Tenants and Landlords

In response to a written question from Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde, Mr Pennycook outlined the government’s strategy to raise awareness of the Renters’ Rights Act. Guidance for local councils and landlords has already been published to prepare them for the changes, with tenant guidance scheduled for release in April 2026.

He stated: “We have already published guidance for local councils and landlords to help them prepare ahead of implementation of Phase 1 from 1 May 2026. Guidance for tenants will follow in April.”

The government has also launched a multi-platform communications campaign, which includes a paid campaign aimed at landlords, press coverage, and a dedicated campaign website. This campaign will be extended in April to reach tenants and inform them of their rights. The existing landlord campaign, titled “Renting is Changing,” provides landlords with an overview of key changes introduced by the Act.

Supporting Tenants Through Increased Advice Line Funding

To complement the communications campaign, the government has increased its funding to Shelter’s Expert Housing Advice Line. This service offers tenants legal guidance on issues such as eviction and disputes with landlords, helping those who may be harder to reach understand the reforms.

Mr Pennycook said: “We are continuing to work closely with sector representative organisations and advice providers to make sure those who may be harder to reach understand what the reforms mean for them and have access to up-to-date advice. To support this, we have increased our existing funding to Shelter’s Expert Housing Advice Line.”

Context of Shelter’s Government Funding

Shelter, a prominent housing charity, receives significant government funding to provide housing advice and support. In the most recent financial year, Shelter received over £7 million from government contracts and £3 million from government grants.

Previously, the TaxPayers’ Alliance criticised Shelter and similar organisations for receiving substantial public funds, arguing that such funding could influence policy debates. Shelter has maintained that government funding for service provision is ring-fenced, ensuring it is used solely for delivering housing advice and support.

What This Means for Landlords

Landlords should be aware that tenant knowledge of their rights under the Renters’ Rights Act is set to increase significantly with the government’s planned communications campaign and enhanced advice services. This may lead to more informed tenants who understand their legal protections and responsibilities. Landlords are advised to familiarise themselves with the forthcoming guidance and prepare for the changes effective from May 2026 to ensure compliance and maintain positive landlord-tenant relationships.

Suggested internal link anchors

• Renters’ Rights Act
• Shelter Expert Housing Advice Line
• tenant guidance April 2026
• landlord communications campaign
• housing advice for tenants
• government funding for Shelter
• landlord-tenant disputes
• eviction legal guidance
• Renting is Changing campaign
• Phase 1 implementation May 2026

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/