Britain’s renting crisis – what it means, why we got here, and what you can do about it
Words: Shilpa Ganatra Illustrations: Ben The Illustrator
In a cost of living crisis, it’s worrying to be hit with any increase in regular outgoings. Usually, we can respond by taking our custom elsewhere. But when we face a rent increase, it’s not so easy to up and leave. So while it’s natural to feel stuck and left with little choice, be assured that if that happens, there are measures we can take to contest the change.
While mortgage rate increases play a part in today’s rental crisis, the root issue is arguably unchecked supply and demand. In London, for example, research from the London School of Economics found a 41% reduction in the number of homes available for private rent since the pandemic, causing more competition for fewer properties, which drives up the market value.
That means significant rent increases are becoming all too common. In the year up to January 2024, private rents increased by 6.1% in England, 6.8% in Scotland, and 7% in Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The repercussions have become a political issue. As more and more of us face rent hikes, it’s hitting headlines. And as more people turn to councils for help with homelessness, and are then put in expensive temporary accommodation, it’s helped to bring many councils close to bankruptcy.
There has been a governmental response, including rent caps for social housing. However, overall it’s been less effective than needed. In Scotland, evictions were blocked and rent increases have been capped at 3% since September 2022, but these measures came to an end on 31 March 2024. In England, the government promised to give tenants more security through the Renters Reform Bill five years ago, but this is still going through parliament.
Yet there are clear signs of hope in the long-term. Renters will be in a stronger position once the Renters Reform Bill does go through, and both Scotland and Wales are considering rent controls.
But there are still things that you can do to challenge an unfair or unaffordable rent hike – renters have more power than landlords perhaps realise. Here are some of the most effective actions you can take.
Talk to your landlord
It’s always a good idea to discuss the issue with the landlord to try to find a solution that works for you – if you don’t ask, you don’t get! Landlords won’t want to lose a good tenant, so there may be room for negotiat
