BPF Comments on Mayor of London's Rent Cap Statement

In response to the Mayor of London's call for the devolution of rent controls, Jordan McCay, Policy Officer at the British Property Federation, said:

“While it is encouraging to see Build-to-Rent recognised and protected from calls for rent controls given its key role in expanding housing supply, this protection is recognition that rent controls pose significant risks to investment and the availability and homes, and should not be introduced at all.

"Evidence from Scotland shows how interference in rents setting reduces investment and shrinks housing supply, worsening affordability for tenants. Introduction of rent controls in England risks repeating these patterns, prompting private landlords to exit the PRS and deterring new investment and delivery.

"We strongly urge the GLA to focus on boosting supply and maintaining a stable, predictable investment environment to deliver new, high-quality homes at scale.”