As the cost of living crisis continues, people’s rents are rising at an alarming rate. It is really important that action is taken to stop this causing homelessness to increase.

But before we explain a few tips you can use to keep up with rent, it’s important to recognise that there is unfortunately little we can do about this on an individual level.

The rapid increase in rent prices in London is the result of many systematic failures in the housing market to protect renters. This is thought to be a leading factor in the 26% increase we’ve seen in the number of people sleeping rough. The housing crisis in London is just one reason we act as a London homeless charity, due to the scale of homelessness in our city.

For example, London has a lack of social housing at a time when the private housing market is becoming unaffordable to many. Meanwhile, new analysis shows that less than 1 in 10 properties listed for private rent in the capital are affordable to Londoners who depend on welfare support. Due to this, people are being priced out of areas they’ve lived in for years, forcing them into sofa surfing and other forms of homelessness. This is a complex issue which can’t be solved overnight without a real political will.

It’s important to remember the responsibility of rising rents isn’t something you’re facing alone. Many people and organisations are working to create a fair housing market for renters.

The Renter’s Reform Bill

The Renter’s Reform Bill could be a lifeline to renters. Aimed at addressing the deep-seated issues in the privately rental market, this bill promises to implement fairer rental practices, enhance tenant security, and increase the availability of affordable housing. Key provisions include abolishing “no-fault” evictions under Section 21, establishing a national register of landlords, and introducing lifetime deposits to ease the financial burden on renters.

Labour have promised to reintroduce a ‘beefed up’ version of the bill in the last King’s Speech. We will be holding them to account on this promise to protect people at risk of rough sleeping.

While these measures won’t provide an immediate fix, they represent a significant step towards a more equitable housing system. In the meantime, tenants can take practical steps to manage their rent payments.

How to cope with rising rents

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Rising rents are really concerning and can’t be fixed by individuals alone. But there are a few things you can do like:

Depending on your rent agreement, different rules will apply on how and when your rent can change. You can check how your tenancy type affects you. If you feel your landlord is acting illegally or unfairly, reach out to us.

Talk to your landlord to see if they’re willing to come down on the price of your rent.

While demand for property is high right now, your landlord many be willing to negotiate with you so they don’t have to find a new tenant, especially if you’ve kept the property in good condition.

If things don’t go to plan and you find yourself without a safe, affordable and accessible place to live, The Connection is here to help people struggling with homelessness and rough sleeping in London.

We know the renting market has been unfair for a long-term. If you’d like to get involved in campaigning and demanding a better future, you can message Michael Gove via Crisis’s Regulate the Rogues campaign.

Article last updated: July 2024