UK tenants overwhelmingly back rent‑control proposal

A SpareRoom survey of 5,607 tenants found that more than 80% support the introduction of rent controls as Prime Minister Andy Burnham weighs reform of the rental market. The respondents cited record‑high rents in six of the nine UK regions and a tightening supply after the Renters’ Rights Act as key pressures.

Matt Hutchinson, Director of SpareRoom, warned that rent controls "won’t solve the underlying supply issue" and could push landlords out of the market, potentially worsening long‑term availability. The National Residential Landlords Association’s chief executive Ben Beadle urged the government to rule out rent controls, arguing they would undermine the supply of homes needed by tenants.