The Green Party leader has called for stronger measures to curb rental costs, arguing that landlords often have the freedom to set high rents with little oversight. Zach Polanski told the BBC that local mayors should be given powers to introduce rent controls, highlighting the struggles faced by tenants in an increasingly inflated housing market.
Polanski stated that many renters are being squeezed financially, describing a situation where “landlords can often charge whatever they want,” leaving ordinary tenants at a disadvantage. He emphasised the stark contrast between individuals who own multiple properties and the majority of people who do not own any, framing the issue as a significant imbalance in wealth and housing access.
During the interview, BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg challenged the idea that all landlords are wealthy. She noted that many rely on rental income as part of their household finances and are not necessarily affluent. Polanski acknowledged this, but stressed that the broader issue remains: the gap between large-scale property owners and the general renting public is a source of deep inequality.
The Green Party has previously backed motions supporting stronger tenant protections and, in some cases, even proposals to phase out private landlords entirely. Polanski pointed to international examples where rent controls have been used successfully, though he also recognised the challenges that such policies can create if not implemented carefully.
In Scotland, for instance, rent caps introduced in September 2022 initially coincided with some of the highest annual rent growth in the UK, peaking at 11.6%. Meanwhile, countries such as the Netherlands have experienced rental shortages after introducing similar measures, highlighting the delicate balance required between affordability and housing supply.
Polanski suggested that rent control policies should take local conditions into account, including incomes, housing stock, and affordability. He specifically cited London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has long advocated for measures to limit rent increases in the capital, as an example of how localised policies could support tenants while addressing regional housing pressures.
He argued that these steps are not only about fairness but also about necessity: rents are rising faster than many households can manage, and targeted intervention is needed to prevent further hardship. Polanski said that whether implemented at a local or national level, rent control measures could play a crucial role in ensuring rental markets are more equitable.
Polanski’s position represents a continuation of the Green Party’s focus on housing justice, aiming to address what they see as structural inequalities between property owners and renters. He maintains that reforming rental rules and giving local authorities the tools to intervene could help stabilise the market and protect vulnerable tenants.
While critics of rent controls warn they can sometimes lead to reduced investment and fewer available rental properties, Polanski stressed the urgency of tackling escalating rents and protecting those most affected. He called for pragmatic approaches that balance the needs of tenants with the realities of the housing market.
The conversation also highlighted broader housing challenges in the UK, including the need for more affordable homes, stronger tenant rights, and closer monitoring of the private rental sector. Polanski argued that tackling these issues collectively—through local policies, government intervention, and thoughtful regulation—was essential to improving housing security.
Ultimately, Polanski’s comments signal a push for greater oversight of the rental market, emphasizing that renters should not be left to bear the brunt of soaring housing costs while landlords benefit disproportionately. By empowering local leaders to cap rents and considering local affordability, the Green Party aims to address long-standing inequalities and provide tangible support for tenants struggling to keep up with rising costs.
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