Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Burnham Considers Rent Controls Amid UK Housing Crisis
Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, is thinking about freezing rents to help people who are struggling with high living costs.
Some people think this is a good idea because it could make life easier for renters.
Others worry that it might make it harder to find places to rent because landlords might leave the market.
Right now, rents in London are going up, and there are fewer places available to rent.
Burnham is also looking at other ways to help people, like making energy bills cheaper and keeping bus fares low.
The big question is whether freezing rents will help more people or make the housing problem worse.
Andy Burnham is considering rent controls to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Supporters argue rent freezes could protect tenants and prevent housing costs from rising faster than incomes.
Critics warn rent controls could reduce the number of available homes, making it harder for renters to find accommodation.
Rental supply in London has already fallen, with listings down 7% in June 2026 compared to the previous year.
Around 30% of homes for sale in London were previously buy-to-let properties, indicating a landlord exodus.
- Who
- Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister
- What
- Consideration of rent controls as part of cost-of-living measures
- When
- June 2026
- Where
- United Kingdom, particularly London
- Why
- To ease cost-of-living pressures and provide relief to tenants
Supporters of Rent Controls
Critics of Rent Controls
Impact on Tenants
Supporters of Rent Controls
Rent freezes could protect struggling tenants and provide financial certainty.
Critics of Rent Controls
Rent controls may reduce the number of available homes, making it harder for renters to find accommodation.
Market Supply
Supporters of Rent Controls
Limiting rent increases could prevent housing costs from rising faster than incomes.
Critics of Rent Controls
Additional controls could accelerate an existing landlord exodus, further tightening the rental market.
- Proposed Measures
- Rent controls, support for energy bills, lower bus fares, potential review of income tax thresholds
- Current Rental Market
- Average monthly rents in Greater London have climbed to £915, 33% higher than in 2021
- Rental Supply
- Rental listings in London down 7% in June 2026 compared to the previous year
- Landlord Exodus
- 30% of homes for sale in London were previously buy-to-let properties
- Renters' Rights Act
- Limits rent increases to once a year, ends fixed-term tenancies, bans no-fault evictions