Green Party co-leader joins London campaign to demand rent control

Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer will join Zoë Garbett, the party’s  candidate for Mayor of London as she takes her “Renters Charter” to Westminster, to demand rent control powers for London’s ‘out of control’ private rental market.

As a renter herself, Zoë has pledged to secure more rights for tenants, better enforcement of rogue landlords and for the Mayor of London to have the power to bring in rent controls.

The key demands in her charter are:

• A Rent Commission for London to set a target level for rents across the City – and work to bring rents down;
• Pushing the Government to give London rent control powers and introduce an immediate two-year freeze on rents;
• Working with local authorities to get more environmental health officers, supporting tenants, and enforcing high standards.

Zoë said,

“We are beyond a housing crisis in London. The private rented sector across the city is out of control. For many, housing is completely unaffordable. This includes for teachers, nurses, hospitality workers, and many of the people who want to live here and who keep our city going.

“The situation here really is that bad. We need to be bold with this. We have to be talking about rent control. At the moment, tenants find themselves in bidding wars over expensive homes that, in many cases, aren’t even fit to live in.

“I rent in London; I know first-hand how the system just isn’t working for millions across the city.

“The current Labour Mayor is waiting for powers to be handed down. We all know this won’t happen without demanding it. That’s why I’m demanding that the government hand down these powers immediately and will set up a rent commission as one of my first acts if elected to get started on the job of securing a fair deal for renters.”

Carla said,

“Changing the rules around renting is a key part of creating a housing system that works for everyone. We need bold solutions, and Zoë’s demand for rent controls will help thousands of Londoners. People know Greens are on the side of renters; Caroline Lucas has shown that in Parliament, I’ve shown that in Bristol, and Zoë’s showing that in London.

“The government isn’t taking this problem seriously enough. The delay this week in the end to no-fault evictions is unacceptable and will plunge more people into housing instability. We must take action now, and I know that Zoë will prioritise protecting renters’ rights.”