The two associations have said that rent controls in London would be a disaster for aspiring tenants.
The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) and the National Landlords Association (NLA) have voiced concerns on Sadiq Khan plans to introduce rent controls.
The two associations have said that rent controls in London would be a disaster for aspiring tenants.
Khan’s proposal comes after experts highlighted the danger rent controls would cause at a time when the demand for private rented homes in the capital is outstripping supply, according to RLA and NLA.
Research conducted by Knight Frank has shown that last year, there were 6.1 prospective tenants for every rental listing in the capital, up from 4.7 in 2018.
Furthermore, the Centre for Cities has outlined concern that strict rental control would “close off London to new residents.”
Last year, Professor Kath Scanlon, a housing expert at the London School of Economics said that the rent control proposal would result in landlords deciding to leave the rental market.
John Stewart, policy manager for the Residential Landlords Association and Chris Norris, policy director for the National Landlords Association, said: “Rent controls might appear attractive to those already renting but they would be a disaster for anyone looking for somewhere to rent.
“All they would achieve, as history and experience elsewhere tells us, is to drive landlords out of the market exacerbating an already serious shortage of homes available.
“Instead of putting out simplistic and superficially appealing proposals in attempt to win votes, the Mayor should focus on boosting the supply of available housing using the powers he already has.
“Only then will he make any discernible impact on improving the affordability of housing across the capital.”
