More than half (55%) of private renters in the UK support the implementation of rent controls, highlighting a significant divide in opinion between tenants and landlords.
The survey by Generation Rent also revealed that over the past two years, more than half of tenants have experienced rent increases, prompting stronger calls for government intervention in the rental market.
Furthermore, the survey indicated that one-third of renters (34%) reported unresolved housing maintenance issues, while 30% mentioned mold problems in their homes, underscoring the urgent need for improvements in rental property conditions.
Dan Wilson Crawford, Deputy Director of Generation Rent, emphasized the importance of the upcoming election as a crucial opportunity for renters to voice their demands for better rental conditions through democratic means.
propertywire.com
Political parties in the UK have varying stances on rent controls. The Green Party and Plaid Cymru advocate for comprehensive rent controls as necessary measures to safeguard tenant rights. In contrast, the Liberal Democrats propose a "Rent to Own" policy aimed at limiting annual rent increases to balance the interests of tenants and landlords.
In Scotland, the government has implemented rent controls by setting upper limits on rent increases, although this policy has led to some landlords increasing rents before tenancy agreements begin. According to regulations, the adjustment in rent rates depends on current market rents, property values, and the rents of similar properties in the area, with the maximum possible increase capped at 12%.
In March of this year, the Scottish government announced plans to introduce long-term rent controls under the Housing (Scotland) Act, although specific implementation details have yet to be disclosed.
As the election day approaches, approximately 8.1% of renters are required to re-register at their previous addresses due to moving, highlighting the dynamic nature of the rental market and the reality of frequent tenant relocations.
"This election is an important opportunity for renters to use our democratic voice to demand improvements in rental conditions," added Dan Wilson Crawford. "We urge anyone who has moved back to their old address since the last election to ensure they are registered to vote by Tuesday night."
In conclusion, the UK rental housing market is at a critical juncture, with rent controls emerging as a contentious issue amid divergent perspectives between tenants seeking stability and landlords advocating for market flexibility.
