Trade union members, political activists and tenants are set to take part in a demonstration this weekend, calling for the introduction of rent controls across the private rented sector. The protest is expected to bring together a wide coalition of campaign groups and organisations arguing that housing costs have become increasingly unaffordable.
The event has received backing from major unions including Unite the Union, the National Education Union, and the Public and Commercial Services Union, alongside political support from the Green Party of England and Wales. Tenant-led organisations such as the London Renters Union and Greater Manchester Tenants Union are also expected to take part.
At the end of the march, speeches are scheduled from a range of figures including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Green Party representatives, trade union officials and housing campaigners. Organisers say the event is intended to highlight growing concerns over rent levels, housing availability and long-term affordability in both cities and regional areas.
Growing Frustration Over Housing Policy
A statement from the London Renters Union has criticised the current direction of housing policy, arguing that recent legislative changes have not gone far enough to address the underlying issues affecting renters. While acknowledging the introduction of upcoming reforms, the group says these measures fail to deal with rising rents and the continued shortage of social housing.
The organisation also argues that increased reliance on private development is contributing to higher rental prices, particularly in areas where demand already far exceeds supply. According to campaigners, this approach risks further limiting access to affordable homes for local residents.
In addition, the union has raised concerns about how the wider housing crisis is being discussed in public debate. It claims that misleading narratives have shifted attention away from structural issues within the rental market, including affordability and supply constraints.
Concerns Over Rising Rents and Displacement
Speaking on behalf of the London Renters Union, Elyem Chej said that many tenants are being pushed into financial difficulty as rents continue to rise. She argued that increasing housing costs are forcing people out of their communities and making it harder for families to remain in the areas where they work and live.
She also highlighted concerns about the type of housing being built, suggesting that much of the new development is focused on higher-end properties that remain out of reach for ordinary renters. This, she said, is contributing to a growing gap between housing supply and real affordability.
Chej added that renters are increasingly feeling excluded from decision-making processes around housing policy, with campaign groups stepping in to push for alternative approaches.
Call for Rent Controls
A central demand of the protest is the introduction of rent controls as a way to limit rapid increases in rental prices. Supporters argue that such measures would provide immediate relief for tenants struggling with rising costs, while also offering greater long-term stability in the rental market.
Campaigners believe rent controls would help prevent tenants from being priced out of their homes and communities, particularly in high-demand urban areas. They also argue that stronger regulation is needed to rebalance the relationship between landlords and tenants.
The demonstration on 18 April is expected to bring together groups from across the country, with organisers saying it reflects growing frustration over housing affordability and security.
Wider Debate on Housing Reform
The protest comes at a time of ongoing debate about how best to address the UK’s housing challenges, including shortages in social housing, rising private rents and uneven regional availability. While the government has introduced reforms aimed at improving tenant rights, campaigners argue that deeper structural changes are still needed.
With support from trade unions, political groups and tenant organisations, the march is set to add further pressure to the discussion around rent regulation and housing affordability in the months ahead.
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