Corbyn leads renewed call for rent controls in private rental sector
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has spearheaded a protest in London demanding the government introduce rent controls for private and future council housing amid rising unaffordable rent hikes.
Corbyn, now an independent MP, was joined by Labour MP Chris Hinchcliff and Green Party MP Hannah Spencer at the demonstration organised by activist groups pressing for rent controls. The event highlighted ongoing concerns that the recent Renters Rights Act is insufficient to protect tenants from steep rent increases.
Details of the rent control campaign and political backing
The protest called for the government to implement rent controls in the private rented sector as well as on promised future council homes. Jae Vail, a spokesperson for one of the organising groups, criticised government claims that the Renters Rights Act prevents unaffordable rent hikes. According to Vail, renters are still facing increases as high as 40% or more, with the new tribunal system failing to curb these rises.
Vail linked the issue of unaffordable housing directly to the UK’s cost of living crisis, stating that many renters are forced to reduce spending on essentials such as food and heating. The campaigners urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to abandon four decades of neoliberal housing policy and introduce rent controls to protect tenants.
Grace Brown, a researcher at the New Economics Foundation, supported the call, noting that well-designed rent controls could provide immediate relief for renters. Brown reminded that England had rent controls until they were abolished under Margaret Thatcher’s government and argued that Burnham’s promises to improve housing must include such measures.
Context of rent controls and recent rental legislation
The Renters Rights Act, introduced recently, aimed to strengthen tenant protections, including measures to regulate rent increases and improve dispute resolution through tribunals. However, the protest suggests that these provisions have not prevented significant rent rises in practice. The call for rent controls reflects a broader debate about balancing landlords’ interests with tenant affordability and security.
Historically, rent controls in England were removed in the late 20th century, leading to a largely deregulated private rental market. The current campaign highlights a growing demand for reintroducing limits on rent levels to address affordability and housing insecurity. This coincides with increasing political pressure on the government to deliver more council housing and reform housing policy.
Implications for landlords and letting agents
For landlords and letting agents, the renewed push for rent controls signals potential future regulatory changes that could impact rent setting and tenancy management. While the Renters Rights Act introduced new rules, the campaign indicates dissatisfaction with current protections and a possibility of further legislation.
Landlords should monitor political developments closely, as rent control proposals could lead to restrictions on rent increases, affecting income and portfolio management. Letting agents may need to adjust their advice and tenancy agreements in response to any new controls. The campaign also underscores the importance of transparent communication with tenants and careful compliance with existing legislation to mitigate disputes.
Uncertainties and what landlords should watch
At present, no formal government proposals for rent controls have been announced, and the Renters Rights Act remains the main legal framework. The effectiveness of the new tribunal system and its ability to prevent excessive rent hikes will be closely observed. The political landscape, including the stance of Prime Minister Andy Burnham and other key figures, will influence whether rent controls are introduced.
Landlords should stay informed about consultations, policy announcements, and potential parliamentary debates on this issue. It remains uncertain how any future rent control measures would be structured, what exemptions might apply, and how enforcement would be handled. Keeping abreast of official guidance and sector responses will be essential for compliance and strategic planning.
What landlords should consider now
Given the ongoing debate, landlords should review their rent review processes and ensure they align with current legal requirements under the Renters Rights Act. Maintaining detailed records of rent increases, tenant communications, and property conditions will support compliance and dispute resolution.
Engaging with tenant concerns proactively and considering the affordability pressures tenants face may help reduce conflict and improve tenancy sustainability. Landlords should also check local licensing requirements and any emerging regional policies that could affect rent setting.
Preparing for possible changes by consulting professional advice and monitoring sector news will help landlords adapt quickly if rent controls or additional regulations are introduced.
Supporting landlords through regulatory changes
The Landlord Association (TLA) offers members access to compliance resources and practical guidance to help manage evolving rental regulations. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to assist landlords and letting agents in organising property portfolios, managing rental documentation, and recording key compliance actions.
Through ORBIT, members can track rent reviews, maintain evidence of compliance with tenancy laws, and access up-to-date information on regulatory developments. TLA membership also provides support on landlord registration, safety obligations, and tenancy procedures, helping landlords prepare for potential rent control measures and other legislative changes.
Exploring TLA membership and ORBIT BETA access can provide landlords with practical tools and resources to stay informed and organised amid ongoing rental sector reforms.
Looking ahead, landlords should remain vigilant as political pressure for rent controls may lead to new legal requirements. Early preparation and engagement with sector support networks will be key to managing any future changes effectively.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association