Sadiq Khan is once again calling for rent controls in London, despite several failed attempts and opposition from within his own party.
The London Mayor has listed rent control powers among his key demands in the latest round of devolution reform proposals, urging the Government to grant City Hall greater authority to cap rent increases in the capital.
Speaking to the London Assembly last week, Khan questioned why London couldn’t have the same powers previously granted to Edinburgh, asking: “Why can’t we have what Edinburgh has?” His comments come even as Scotland recently scrapped rent caps in April 2025, following a surge in rents and criticism of the policy’s effectiveness.
Critics argue that rent controls could do more harm than good. Analysts speaking to The Telegraph warned that such measures “would significantly worsen the predicament of tenants” and potentially make London even more expensive for renters by reducing supply.
Khan has long championed rent controls but has faced resistance from both the Conservative government and Labour Party leadership. He admitted that ministers are “not keen” on granting such powers, but said he remains committed to the cause regardless.
James Cleverly, shadow housing secretary, said: “This is ideologically driven and economically illiterate.
“Labour is already doing huge damage to the rental market. And the chancellor plots to ramp up taxes on the family home this autumn.
“Now Sadiq Khan is plotting to introduce rent controls. These will force more rental providers out of the market, reduce supply, and make renting in London even more expensive.”
Khan has lobbied for greater rental powers since 2016, a move rejected by successive – Conservative and Labour – governments.
In 2023, he proposed freezing rents for two years in the capital and pledged to lobby ministers for rent controls as part of his re-election campaign.
The National Residential Landlords Association said: “Rent controls discourage investment in the private rented sector, in the process reducing the supply of available homes to rent.
“At a time when the rental market is experiencing an unprecedented supply crisis, introducing rent controls would significantly worsen the predicament of tenants desperately searching for suitable accommodation.
“We urge local and central government to create the conditions for growth in the private rented sector. This will help landlords stay in the market and encourage them to provide the high-quality homes tenants desperately need.”
A spokesman for the Mayor of London commented: “The mayor is concerned about the impact of unaffordable private rents and is determined to do everything in his power to make housing more affordable for London’s 2.6 million private renters.
“The Mayor is focused on working with the Government, London boroughs and housing associations to deliver more affordable homes.”
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman added: “The government will not allow rent controls in London or anywhere else. We will empower tenants to challenge excessive rent hikes through our Renters’ Rights Bill to give people housing security.”
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