Tenant advocacy group Generation Rent has renewed calls for the introduction of rent controls in England, arguing that limiting rent increases is a “common sense” measure to protect tenants from soaring housing costs.
The campaign group is urging the government to follow Scotland’s lead by implementing rent caps to prevent landlords from imposing unchecked increases. In a recently released mission statement, Generation Rent also demands stronger protections against evictions to ensure greater security for renters.
Renters’ Rights Bill ‘Does Not Go Far Enough’
Generation Rent contends that the Renters’ Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, fails to adequately address affordability concerns.
“Limiting rent rises is common sense and is already in place in Scotland and many comparable countries,” the group stated. “It is disappointing that the Government did not introduce an amendment to cap rent increases within tenancies, which would limit how much landlords can raise rents.”
In Scotland, a temporary rent cap introduced to alleviate financial pressure on tenants during the cost-of-living crisis is set to expire on March 31. However, the Scottish Government is consulting on a long-term cap in certain areas, which will be included in the forthcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill, set to take effect in 2027.
Addressing Evictions and Housing Standards
Beyond rent controls, Generation Rent is calling for stronger protections against evictions, both legal and illegal.
“Any long-term housing strategy must focus on the impact of evictions and implement measures to prevent them from pushing tenants into debt, poverty, or homelessness,” the statement read. “If we cannot end evictions altogether, tenants should at least receive compensation when forced to move through no fault of their own.”
The group also demands stricter enforcement of housing standards, arguing that landlords who fail to provide safe, habitable accommodation should face serious penalties.
“Minimum standards for private rented homes vary across the UK, and local councils often lack the resources to prevent landlords from renting out unsafe properties,” the statement continued. “Any landlord failing to meet standards should be required to refund rent to tenants and face severe penalties or even banning orders.”
With the debate over rental reform gaining momentum, the government faces increasing pressure from tenant groups to introduce measures that ensure fairer and more affordable housing conditions across England.