Rent controls may be desirable, but really they are symptom of a distorted economy, not the cause. High house prices, insufficient affordable new builds and speculation in property are the main causes of high rents. Better to concentrate on taxing capital gains and wealth to decrease investment in property, along with increased building of new council houses to rent.
According to the IPPR think tank, if rents had been linked to inflation or wage growth since 2020, they would have been around 7% lower, saving the average renter £850 a year across England and more than £1,700 in London.
While rent controls remain controversial, this article aims to address critics' complaints (pushing landlords away, reducing housing supply) and explores whether the idea could make housing more affordable.
With rents continuing to hit record highs, solutions have to be found - things like the double lock (linking rent rises to inflation or wages) are the kinds of ideas to explore.
Rent controls may be desirable, but really they are symptom of a distorted economy, not the cause. High house prices, insufficient affordable new builds and speculation in property are the main causes of high rents. Better to concentrate on taxing capital gains and wealth to decrease investment in property, along with increased building of new council houses to rent.
Plus, attention required on new build homes whether ultimately to become fo rrent or to buy being substandard.
Beyond the drying out impact that is entirely normal, all too many are quite shoddy.
How many capped rents will end up being standing order taxable portion, plus cash?
The law of unforeseen consequences. As people still demand somewhere to rent or stay renting somewhere that they love.
According to the IPPR think tank, if rents had been linked to inflation or wage growth since 2020, they would have been around 7% lower, saving the average renter £850 a year across England and more than £1,700 in London.
While rent controls remain controversial, this article aims to address critics' complaints (pushing landlords away, reducing housing supply) and explores whether the idea could make housing more affordable.
With rents continuing to hit record highs, solutions have to be found - things like the double lock (linking rent rises to inflation or wages) are the kinds of ideas to explore.
Evidence strongly against rent controls, leaving it to be advocated by those knowing full well that it won't be implemented.