Rents should emulate energy prices, with a cap used to help people pay a fairer price for bills, says Generation Rent.

The tenants’ group says that as the current home building target will only lead to rents slowly becoming more affordable in relation to wages - meaning they will continue to stay well out of reach for people on low incomes – tougher action is needed.

It explains: “Across the UK we are already used to government intervention where private providers cannot be trusted to offer a fair price for essentials. Just as there is an energy price cap in place to help people pay ‘a fairer price’ on our essential bills, it must be recognised that our homes are also essential and too often unfairly priced.”

Kicked out

It believes too many renters still avoid raising complaints or asserting their rights for fear of being kicked out. This means any long-term strategy should focus on the impact of both lawful and illegal evictions, and put measures in place to prevent evictions from forcing anyone into debt, poverty or homelessness. It adds: “If we cannot end evictions altogether, it is high time tenants were compensated for moves outside our control.”

Generation Rent also reckons that any landlord failing to comply with standards around providing a safe and warm home should have to refund rent to their tenant and face serious penalties or banning orders.

It says with upcoming rules around rapid improvements to the energy efficiency of homes, renters should be protected from any unintended consequences, particularly evictions or rent hikes where a landlord receives a means tested government grant.

“The renting crisis will only end when people have the option of social housing if they need it, home ownership if they want it, and when private renting gives us attractive options too,” it adds.