Three in 10 people in London live in the private rented sector, but in the 12 months to June 2023 the sector saw a 5.3% rental price increase and nearly a fifth (18%) of privately rented homes in London failed to meet the national Decent Homes Standard.
Ten months on from the introduction of the Renters Reform Bill to Parliament in May 2023, legislation to protect and enhance renters' rights is yet to materialise.
The London Assembly has today called on the Government to urgently progress the Renters Reform Bill and enact a ban on section 21 no-fault evictions.
It has also urged the Mayor to endorse the ‘National Renters Manifesto’ and to take steps within his powers to enact the policy commitments set out in the Manifesto.
Sem Moema AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“Our home is the place where we start our day each morning and fall asleep at night. It is the base from which we start and end each day, and so should be secure, affordable and decent. Sadly, our broken renting system means too many Londoners do not live in a decent home.
“It is concerning to see that the Government has not progressed the ban on section 21 orders or the Renters Reform Bill.
“The new National Renters Manifesto contains concrete actions from the Mayor and the Government to take to improve the lives of London’s 2.7 million private renters. They should enact these – and urgently.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly welcomes the ‘National Renters Manifesto’ published by several organisations that represent and support private renters including Generation Rent.
This Assembly affirms support for the required changes set out in the Manifesto which are based on 5 key areas of Security, Standards, Affordability, Fairer Private Renting and, Homes for People Not For Profit.
This Assembly notes that 3 in 10 people in London live in the private rented sector but that conditions for renters remain difficult. In the 12 months to June 2023 the sector saw a 5.3% rental price increase and nearly a fifth (18%) of privately rented homes in London fail to meet the national Decent Homes Standard.
The Assembly notes that everyone deserves a secure, affordable, and decent home. 10 months on from the introduction of the Renters Reform Bill to Parliament in May 2023, legislation to protect and enhance renters' rights is yet to materialise. Urgent action is required to fix the broken renting system and improve the lives of London’s 2.7 million private renters.
This Assembly calls on:
- The Mayor to endorse the ‘National Renters Manifesto’ and to take steps within his powers to enact the policy commitments set out in the Manifesto.
- The Mayor to reaffirm his call to the Government for devolved powers to enable necessary action to be taken in London regarding the management of rent and landlord licensing.
- The Government to urgently progress the Renters Reform Bill and enact a ban on section 21 no-fault evictions.
Notes to editors
- The motion was agreed 13 for and 5 against.
- Watch the webcast.
- Sem Moema AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Anthony Smyth on 07763 251727. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.