Renters’ rights: House of Lords debate
A UNISON briefing for House of Lords debate: “Ensuring that rents in the private rented sector are affordable”
Date posted:
27 February 2025
With many members trapped in the private rented sector, UNISON campaigns for solutions to improve housing conditions, empower renters and strengthen our public service.
We call for:
- Immediate Abolition of Section 21 No-Fault Evictions, providing genuine stability for tenants.
- Implementation of “a system of rent controls” - to tackle soaring rents and prevent disguised evictions through extortionate rent increases.
- Adequate funding and resources for local councils, empowering them to implement a tougher enforcement regime against rogue landlords and letting agents.
- A fair Benefits System that removes disincentives to work, and provides adequate support for renters to cover rent and essential living costs.
- An end to the Right to Buy in England and significant investment for the construction of high quality, energy efficient truly affordable housing, particularly council and social homes, to ensure housing availability for low to modest-income individuals, including retirees.