Rent controls that aren’t so tough landlords sell up?

The Fabian Society, a left wing but not Marxist think tank, has released new research claiming private renters support for rent controls is motivated by more than just saving money, but also to tackle insecurity and unfair treatment. However, renters want rent controls that make a difference, but that aren’t so tough on landlords that they feel forced to sell-up.

Is this a mutually compatible set of objectives in the real world?

The Report is titled Beyond affordability: What tenants want from rent controls. Click here to download.

It is published in partnership Shelter

Beyond Affordability, lays out a framework for politicians seeking to implement a rent control policy. It presents the priorities and concerns of renters themselves, gathered through a series of six in-depth focus groups held across England. The report is published amidst growing political attention to the policy, with both the UK Labour party and London Mayor Sadiq Khan committed to the policy.

The key lessons in the report include:

• There is strong support for rent controls among the tenants we spoke to. They want the policy to address the key problems they face: insecurity, powerlessness and high rents.
• Fairness and security are higher priorities than saving money. Renters aren’t motivated simply by a desire to reduce the cost of their rent. They prioritise having fair and transparent rules for the level of rent; a chance for greater security in their home; and a system that is fair for both tenants and landlords.
• Renters are pragmatic and worried about unintended consequences. They want a rent control policy that goes far enough to make a noticeable difference, but are concerned by unintended consequences such as any proposals causing landlords to sell up. To win support for any rent control plans, politicians must think through implementation and take steps to mitigate any adverse impacts on private renters themselves.
• Renters want rent controls to be part of a wider package. The problems in the private rented sector go far beyond the level of rent and tenants want action on a range of issues including social housing.

Report co-author and Fabian Society deputy general secretary Olivia Bailey said:

“Well designed rent controls can tackle rising costs and falling standards in the private rented sector. But politicians must base their plans on the views of renters themselves.

“Tenants want rent controls to enhance their security and make the system fairer. They want help with soaring costs but are worried about slashing rents which could risk landlords selling up.

“A policy that offers fairness, security and stable rents will command support at the ballot box and give millions of people the comfort and security of an affordable, decent home.”

Greg Beales, campaigns director of Shelter, commented:

“Many of the country’s 11 million private renters are feeling the full force of the housing crisis and there’s no doubt they need a fairer deal. We hear from people every day who, despite working every hour they can, constantly struggle to cover their rent.

“Rent controls are used around the world to give tenants predictable and stable rents, which allow renters to plan for the future and feel secure in their homes. This report shows an appetite among renters here for sensible rent control proposals, and demonstrates how they could be viable for policymakers.

“But any form of rent control must always work for those hit hardest by affordability pressures. And, as this research shows, no form of rent control can be hailed as a magic cure. Any scheme must sit alongside a clear government commitment to build the 3 million social homes this country needs, to solve the housing emergency once and for all.”

Share This Article