Londoners are backing calls for rent controls as rising rents make housing unaffordable and threaten their living security.
A politician, Zoë Garbett, wants a commission about rent controls. The commission would study rent control’s operation. She urges Mayor Sadiq Khan to act, saying rent control is a guarantee. Housebuilding won’t surely lower rent.
Patrick Dunne, who rents in Kennington, says rent control would bring security. His rent rose almost 40% in four years, while his wages did not keep pace. He feels insecure about the future because rising rent puts his living at risk. Finding decent, affordable places is hard, and building a stable life feels impossible.
Another renter, living in Bromley, says her home is moldy and she needs rent controls soon. She can’t save money because of high rent. Her rent will rise to over £750 each, which is 47% of her income. She doesn’t think her home is fit to live in.
Sadiq Khan lacks power for rent control, though he supported it in a 2019 report and wanted a commission then, which never happened. Keir Starmer’s government opposes giving Khan the power.
Sadiq Khan wants affordable housing and works with boroughs and associations to deliver more homes. He unveiled a plan for key worker housing that could save Londoners up to £600 a month.