Nearly half (45%) of tenants want the new Labour government to bring in affordability and rent controls, putting them at odds with landlords, a survey from agent Leaders Romans Group has found.
In contrast, just one in 10 landlords, or tenants that are also landlords, want rent controls.
One tenant is quoted as saying “the incoming government must prioritise affordability. The cost of renting has skyrocketed, making it difficult for many families to make ends meet.”
However a landlord said “Any rent restrictions and the abolition of S21 will encourage more landlords to sell up and this will cause a shortage of property to rent and thus higher rents”.
Landlords and tenants are less divided about the reintroduction of Help to Buy, with roughly a third of both groups supporting such a policy..
There’s also strong support (60%) for a stamp duty cut amongst individuals who are tenants and landlords.
Allison Thompson, national lettings managing director at LRG, said: “The shared concerns of tenants and landlords offer Labour a clear roadmap for action.
“By addressing these concerns promptly, the government has a unique opportunity to create a balanced and sustainable rental market.
“Leaders Romans Group urges Labour to listen to these voices and take decisive steps to implement the necessary reforms.”
While it’s likely Labour attracted more votes from landlords in the latest election, they tend to be pro-Conservative Party, with tenants giving Labour more support.
This is backed up by the research, as the Conservative Party garnered support from 64% of landlords and 17% of tenants, with 15% of landlords and 53% of tenants believing that the Labour Party would be most effective in addressing their concerns.