Reeves Considers 1-Year Freeze on England Private Rents

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a one-year freeze on private rental increases across England as part of a broader cost-of-living support package amid rising prices linked to the Iran conflict.

The proposal, still under early discussion within the Treasury, would prevent landlords from raising rents on existing private sector homes for 12 months. New builds would be exempt to encourage ongoing housing development. Officials aim to shield households from higher food, fuel, and energy costs triggered by disruptions including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The measure forms part of interventions expected in the coming weeks, as inflation ticks upward and retail sales slump to their lowest levels since 1983, according to recent business surveys.

This comes as Labour's Renters Rights Bill takes effect this week, banning no-fault evictions and offering protections against sharp within-tenancy rent hikes. The government had repeatedly ruled out rent controls prior to taking office. In opposition, Labour spokespeople emphasized risks to rental supply, with then-shadow housing minister Matthew Pennycook stating in 2024 that such measures could harm tenants by driving...