Rent controls needed to combat mental health crisis among renters claims activist group

One in three renters claim housing is harming their mental health, according to new research.

Data by the London Renters Union (LDR) reveals that 63% of private renters feel depressed about paying their rent.

The activist group is calling for rent controls to bring down rents to take pressure off renters.

Landlords are cashing in

According to the survey, three in five private renters say that renting has had a negative impact on their financial security, including basic expenses.

One in two say it has also had a negative impact on their leisure spending. The activist group blamed landlords for “cashing in” on the rental crisis.

The group said on X, formerly Twitter: “Landlords are cashing in. Most buy-to-let mortgages are focusing on expanding their portfolios.

“Most mortgage-free landlords are hiking rents despite being unaffected by rising interest rates.

“It is becoming harder than ever to live a good life in the private rental system. With each year, rent eats further into the things that we need to feel secure and happy.

Roof over our heads

The London Renters Union (LDR) adds rent controls are the solution to tackle the rental crisis: “Our basic happiness is too high of a price to pay for something as fundamental as a roof over our heads.

“We need rent control now to bring down rents and take the pressure off millions trapped in this system.”

A rent cap which aimed to protect tenants from excessive rent increases in Scotland failed to prevent new rents from skyrocketing.

According to Citylets, a leading lettings portal, new rents have risen by double digits for the fifth quarter in a row, reaching an average of £1,097.