Rent control activists target Housing Secretary Angela Rayner

Rent control activists target Housing Secretary Angela Rayner

Generation Rent activists have launched a campaign urging supporters to send postcards demanding rent controls to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. The group highlights the sharp rise in private rents and calls for government action to limit rent increases.

The Generation Rent campaign invites supporters to write to Angela Rayner, the current Housing Secretary, pressing for the introduction of rent controls in England. The group emphasises that England has not had proper rent controls since 1988, during which time the number of private renters has increased by approximately 1,200%. They argue this has led to rents rising far faster than other living costs, with over a third of private renters living in poverty. The campaign provides suggested messages to strengthen the impact of the postcards and even offers some cards for free, though they state the cost would normally be £2.75 each.

Angela Rayner previously ruled out rent controls during her first tenure as Housing Secretary from July 2024 to September 2025. However, the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has expressed broad support for rent controls based on his time as Greater Manchester Mayor and recent parliamentary activities. Despite this, Rayner reiterated over the weekend on BBC TV that rent controls remain off the agenda in England.

Campaign details and political context

Generation Rent’s campaign is a direct response to the ongoing affordability crisis in the private rented sector. The group’s statement draws attention to the dramatic increase in private renters and the disproportionate rise in rents compared to other essential costs such as groceries. They argue that this disparity has pushed many renters into poverty, exacerbated by inflationary pressures.

The campaign’s tactic of encouraging supporters to send postcards to the Housing Secretary is designed to create visible pressure on government ministers to reconsider their stance on rent controls. By providing suggested messages and offering postcards, Generation Rent aims to mobilise a broad base of public support quickly and effectively.

Politically, the issue of rent controls remains divisive. Angela Rayner’s firm position against rent controls contrasts with the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s supportive stance, reflecting differing priorities within the government. This tension highlights the uncertainty landlords and letting agents face regarding future regulatory changes in the private rented sector.

Implications for landlords and letting agents

While rent controls are not currently planned, the campaign and political debate indicate that the issue remains a live one in policy discussions. Landlords and letting agents should be aware that pressure for rent regulation could increase, especially if affordability concerns continue to dominate public discourse.

For landlords, the introduction of rent controls would represent a significant change, potentially limiting the ability to increase rents in line with market conditions or inflation. Letting agents would need to adapt their advice and management practices accordingly, including reviewing rent review clauses in tenancy agreements and preparing for possible new compliance requirements.

Even without immediate legislative changes, landlords should monitor political developments closely and consider how rising calls for rent control might affect their portfolios and tenant relationships. Maintaining transparent communication with tenants and keeping abreast of official guidance will be increasingly important.

What landlords should consider now

• Stay informed about government announcements and political shifts related to rent control and rental reform.
• Review tenancy agreements to understand how rent increases are currently managed and whether they could be affected by future regulation.
• Engage with tenant concerns proactively to reduce disputes and build positive relationships amid affordability pressures.
• Check local licensing and compliance obligations regularly to ensure full adherence to current laws and prepare for any new requirements.

Keeping your rental properties compliant with evolving rental policies

Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers access to up-to-date compliance resources and practical information on tenancy law, rent regulation, and property management. TLA’s new property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help landlords and letting agents organise portfolios, manage rental documents, and record key actions such as rent reviews and communications with tenants. This can be particularly useful as regulatory developments around rent controls and rental reform continue to evolve.

Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can support landlords in staying organised and prepared for any changes in rent regulation, ensuring they maintain evidence of compliance and manage properties effectively in a shifting policy environment.

Looking ahead, landlords should keep a close eye on government responses to campaigns like Generation Rent’s and be ready to adjust their practices if rent control measures are introduced.

Sources: Landlord Today