Briefing: Renters' Rights Bill Report Stage - Amendment 9 (rent stabilisation)

A third (34%) of private renters are paying half or more of their income on rent; well beyond the 30% that is commonly regarded as the upper limit of 'affordable'. Alarmingly, 29% say they could not afford any rent increase at all, while a further 24% say they would need to cut back on essential spending, fall behind on bills or need to borrow money.

Once Section 21 'no-fault' evictions are abolished, there is a real risk that rent hikes will be used by unscrupulous landlords to force tenants out. A private rented sector that forces people to move regularly, or that leaves renters financially struggling in order to pay their rent, is not sustainable and a key driver of economic stagnation.

This amendment (9) introduces measures to stabilise rents during tenancies which would ensure the government can meet its commitment of delivering greater security for renters in England, as well as empowering tenants to challenge unfair rent increases. – as well as empowering tenants to challenge unfair rent increases.