We are calling on the next Mayor of London to lead a campaign to demand powers from the government to reduce rents. Measures would include:
- Freezing rents within tenancies
- A rent control system
- Linking rents to the quality of the home
- Tough penalties for landlords who break the rules
The situation is worst in inner London, Newham and Haringey where this figure is above 50% and reaches 76% in Westminster. The most affordable borough is Bexley, with median rent worth 33% of the median full-time salary.
While candidates for Mayor have already called for rent controls, no model has been proposed – and they could take a number of forms.
Generation Rent’s manifesto for London, which was launched today (1 April), also calls on the winning candidate to commit to:
- Build 60,000 new homes to house people currently in temporary accommodation
- Regulate illegal year-round holiday lets that take homes out of the long term market
- Take action with the Metropolitan Police to tackle illegal evictions
- Join the campaign for reform of the private rented sector by the government in Westminster
High rents force people into poverty and make it almost impossible to save towards the future. No one should have to spend more than 30% of their income on rent, yet this is a reality for most Londoners who are stuck in the private rental market.
Londoners urgently need bold action to make renting more affordable. Investment in housebuilding is needed to make renting more affordable long-term, but rent controls would offer immediate protection and relief.
Download ‘Rent Control: what London renters think’ here
See the affordability data in full here
Join our campaign by signing up here
