Housing Secretary confirms no rent controls planned in England

Housing Secretary confirms no rent controls planned in England

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has stated that the government has no plans to introduce rent controls in England, despite calls from some politicians and activists. The announcement follows the implementation of the Renters Rights Act earlier this year.

Angela Rayner, speaking on the BBC, made clear that rent controls are not currently considered a viable option for addressing rental market challenges in England. The statement comes amid ongoing debates about how best to support tenants facing rising living costs and rental prices.

Rayner emphasised that the Renters Rights Act, which came into effect in May 2026, is already providing tenants with greater protections and influence over their rental agreements. She contrasted this approach with rent controls, which have been trialled in other parts of the UK but have not consistently resulted in lower rents.

Details of Rayner’s statement and political context

Angela Rayner’s comments directly addressed recent calls for rent freezes and controls, notably those previously advocated by Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister and former Mayor of Greater Manchester. Burnham had urged for rent freezes during the height of the cost of living crisis three years ago and supported London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s calls for powers to impose rent controls in the capital.

Rayner indicated that the government’s current focus is on the measures introduced by the Renters Rights Act rather than imposing direct rent caps. She noted that while rent controls have been implemented temporarily in Scotland, these measures expired last year, and new legislation allowing rent control areas is expected to come into force by 2027. This legislation will permit councils in Scotland to cap rent increases at a maximum of 6% in designated areas.

Within England, however, the government is not pursuing similar powers. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has publicly criticised this stance, arguing that rent controls would provide the most significant relief to tenants and save billions in living costs. Despite such criticism, Rayner’s position reflects a clear government policy direction against rent controls for the time being.

Background on rent controls and the Renters Rights Act

Rent controls have been a contentious issue in the UK rental sector for decades. Historically, some local authorities and devolved governments have experimented with rent regulation to curb excessive rent rises and protect tenants. However, these measures have often been temporary and met with mixed results.

The Renters Rights Act, which recently came into force in England, represents a significant reform aimed at strengthening tenant protections without directly capping rents. The Act includes provisions to give tenants more power in disputes, improve transparency in rental agreements, and enhance security of tenure in certain circumstances.

While the Act does not limit rent levels, it is designed to create a fairer rental market by addressing issues such as unfair eviction practices and opaque fee structures. The government’s approach suggests a preference for regulatory reform over direct market intervention through rent controls.

Implications for landlords and letting agents

For landlords and letting agents, the confirmation that rent controls will not be introduced in England maintains the current framework for setting rents. This means rents can continue to be set by market forces, subject to existing legislation such as the Renters Rights Act and any local licensing or safety regulations.

The Renters Rights Act’s impact on landlord-tenant relations is likely to increase the importance of clear communication, thorough documentation, and compliance with the new tenant protections. Landlords should be prepared for tenants to have greater confidence in asserting their rights under the Act, which may affect tenancy negotiations and dispute resolution.

Letting agents will need to ensure that rental agreements and practices comply with the Act’s requirements, including transparency and fairness provisions. While rent controls are not on the horizon, the evolving regulatory environment demands careful attention to compliance and tenant engagement.

Remaining uncertainties and what landlords should watch

Although the government has ruled out rent controls at present, the rental market remains under scrutiny amid ongoing cost of living pressures. Political shifts or changes in economic conditions could prompt reconsideration of rent regulation policies in the future.

Landlords and agents should monitor developments in devolved administrations, such as Scotland’s forthcoming rent control areas, which may influence policy debates in England. Additionally, the practical effects of the Renters Rights Act will become clearer as case law and enforcement practices develop.

It remains essential for landlords to stay informed about any new government announcements or local authority initiatives that could affect rent setting or tenancy management. Checking official guidance regularly is advisable to ensure compliance and anticipate changes.

What landlords should consider now

Given the current policy stance, landlords should focus on ensuring full compliance with the Renters Rights Act and other relevant regulations. This includes reviewing tenancy agreements, updating documentation, and maintaining transparent communication with tenants.

Proactive management of rental properties to meet safety and licensing standards remains critical. Landlords should also keep detailed records of rent reviews and tenant interactions to support any future disputes or inspections.

Engaging with professional bodies and accessing up-to-date compliance resources will help landlords and agents adapt to the evolving regulatory environment without the immediate concern of rent controls.

Supporting landlords through regulatory changes

The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to practical compliance resources and tools designed to assist with managing rental properties under current regulations. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, is available in BETA testing and aims to help landlords and letting agents organise portfolios, maintain rental documentation, and record key actions such as inspections and communications.

ORBIT’s developing features include support for producing and retaining tenancy documents and accessing TLA’s compliance guidance, which can be particularly valuable as landlords adjust to the Renters Rights Act and other regulatory requirements. Membership also provides ongoing updates on legislative changes and practical advice tailored to the private rented sector.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can help landlords stay organised and informed as the government’s approach to rental regulation continues to evolve.

Looking ahead, landlords should remain vigilant for any shifts in government policy or local authority measures that might affect rent setting or tenancy conditions. Staying informed and prepared will be key to managing rental portfolios effectively in this environment.

Sources: Landlord Today