Andy Burnham's rent controls: what's being considered
Freezing or capping rent rises is one of the options on the table for the new PM's first cost-of-living package, first set out on 21 July 2026. Nothing has been decided. Here's what's being discussed, and the arguments on both sides.
What's being considered
Asked directly whether he was considering a rent freeze, bus fare caps or a reduction in energy bills, Andy Burnham said: "We are looking at measures that could make a difference this year. So we are looking at all of those things, but we will make more announcements tomorrow. We're just finalising the details. It's premature to say it will be any one of those particular things." A rent freeze — legally preventing landlords from raising rents for a period — is the option that has drawn the most attention; a cap tied to inflation or average earnings has also been floated as a less drastic alternative.
Where it comes from
This isn't a new idea for Burnham. As Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2023, he wrote to the government demanding a rent freeze "to help renters weather the worst of the cost-of-living crisis and help prevent huge numbers of renters facing homelessness," arguing it would "immediately relieve pressure on millions of people and halt an eviction crisis." As Prime Minister, rent controls now sit alongside a possible rise in the income tax personal allowance, energy bill support and a bus fare cap as the measures being weighed for his first cost-of-living package.
No calculator — yet
Because no cap rate, freeze length or mechanism has been confirmed, there isn't a number to build a calculator around. As soon as concrete detail lands — a specific percentage cap, a freeze period, or draft legislation — we'll add a tool showing what it would mean for your rent. In the meantime, the Renters' Rights Act, which abolished Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, is already law and unaffected by this proposal either way.
The case for and against
Supporters argue
- A freeze or cap gives immediate, visible relief to renters facing a cost-of-living squeeze.
- It could reduce the number of tenants pushed into arrears or homelessness by sudden rent rises.
- Burnham has consistently backed the idea since his time as mayor, giving it more momentum than a fresh proposal.
Critics argue
- Most economists warn rent controls discourage landlords from letting property, tightening supply over time.
- Scotland's 2022 rent freeze was widely reported to have coincided with a slowdown in new lettings coming to market.
- Landlords facing frozen income but rising mortgage and maintenance costs may sell up, shrinking the rental stock further.
- Nothing is confirmed — the specifics, and whether it happens at all, remain open.
See where you stand
- Which party for landlords? — every party's housing plan, compared.
- The Renters' Rights Act — already law: Section 21 abolished.
- Burnham's tax threshold rise — the other cost-of-living option, with a calculator.
Sources & further reading
- LandlordZone — Burnham won't rule out a rent freeze.
- Big Issue — will Burnham introduce rent controls as PM?
- HuffPost UK — rents could be frozen under moves to help struggling Brits.
- AOL UK — rent freeze being considered to ease the cost-of-living burden.
This is a fast-moving story; details reflect reporting as of 21 July 2026 and may change once the package is confirmed. Not financial, legal or tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Will Andy Burnham introduce rent controls?
Not decided. Burnham has said he won't rule out a rent freeze and that his team is "looking at" it among several cost-of-living measures first set out on 21 July 2026. He has stressed no final decision has been made.
What are rent controls?
Rules that legally limit how much, or how often, a landlord can raise rent — ranging from a total freeze to a cap linked to inflation or average earnings.
How would rent controls work under Burnham?
Not yet specified. Reported options range from a temporary rent freeze to a cap tied to inflation or wage growth. No bill has been introduced and no mechanism has been confirmed.
Has this been tried in the UK before?
Scotland introduced an emergency rent freeze in 2022, later replaced with a cap on in-tenancy rent increases. England and Wales have no equivalent today.
Do rent controls work?
It's contested. Supporters say a freeze or cap gives immediate relief to renters facing a cost-of-living squeeze. Critics, including many economists, argue rent controls discourage landlords from letting property, tighten supply over time, and can leave tenants worse off in the long run.