Annual Review highlights TDS Charitable Foundation’s impact on renting standards

The TDS Charitable Foundation has published its 2024–25 Annual Review, which showcases the latest achievements in its mission to raise standards in the private rented sector (PRS).

This includes a series of major initiatives that provide education, research and practical support to tenants, landlords, communities and governments across England and Wales.

New strategic direction for funding projects

Over the past year, the Foundation has concentrated on fewer, larger projects built on research and evidence, ensuring resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact.

Key examples include:

• A major partnership with Crisis to improve access to the PRS for people experiencing homelessness

  In the first year of this three-year project, the partnership has helped 364 Crisis members across the UK to resolve their homelessness. Service delivery began in July 2024 and involves Housing Access Specialists building vital relationships with landlords and helping tenants to sustain their tenancies. An Innovation Fund is unlocking new financial products to help people on low incomes access the PRS. The partnership is also generating much-needed data and sharing learning with policymakers to inform future delivery.

• The launch of My Housing Issue Gateway to help tenants resolve their housing problems

My Housing Issue Gateway is a free online tool created to help private and social tenants understand their rights and resolve problems with their rental homes. The Foundation funded tech company PocketApp to design the app and it was launched in Parliament in December 2024, before going live to the public in February 2025. The Gateway is already being used by thousands of tenants each month and has attracted cross-sector support, media coverage, and engagement from government. 

• A partnership to tackle homelessness in local borough of Dacorum

  Closer to home, the Foundation has partnered with DENS, a Hertfordshire homelessness charity, and Dacorum Borough Council to deliver a three-year programme in its home borough of Dacorum. Developed following research into local housing needs, the project is designed to improve access to the private rented sector for people experiencing homelessness. Delivery is due to commence later in 2025 and will provide support to landlords and tenants to help secure and sustain quality accommodation in the community.

Sector research continues to influence policy

The Foundation released its latest Voice of the Tenant Survey (now in its fourth year) and launched its first Voice of the Landlord Survey. Together, the two studies aim to provide a balanced and comprehensive picture of sector trends and the experiences of those living and working in the sector.

The results have become a trusted data source for policymakers and have been used to inform debate on rental reform, including submissions to the Renters’ Rights Bill Committee and a proposed amendment in Parliament to improve tenant awareness of their rights.

Dr Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy, Research and Social Impact at TDS, said:

“The Annual Review reflects how targeted, evidence-based investment can deliver meaningful change in the rental market. From digital tools that give tenants clarity to research that informs national policy, the Foundation’s work is making renting fairer, safer and more accessible. These projects show what can be achieved when we invest in solutions that have both local and national impact.”

The full TDS Charitable Foundation Annual Review 2024–25 is available to read here.