Brief
Islington Council declares private‑renting crisis and urges rent‑control powers
Councillors voted on 24 September to lobby London’s mayor and the housing secretary for rent‑control powers amid soaring rents.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Islington Council announced on Monday that the borough is in a "private renting crisis" and called on the UK government to grant local authorities powers to introduce long‑term rent controls and an emergency rent freeze. The motion was approved by a majority of councillors on 24 September, according to Standard.co.uk.
What happened
The council’s housing chief, Labour councillor Jason Jackson, warned that unaffordable rents are pushing residents toward homelessness support and temporary accommodation. Office for National Statistics data show the average private rent in Islington reached £2,868 in August 2026, a 6.2 % rise on the previous year.
What the reports add
Labour councillor Michael O’Sullivan told the meeting that "ordinary people cannot live in Islington unless they live in conditions that are slum‑like and very, very overcrowded" and argued that rent caps are needed. He also cautioned that landlords might exploit the recent abolition of Section 21 no‑fault evictions by raising rents to force tenants out.
What was said
Resident Bill Mitton described his dispute with a landlord over severe disrepair as a "battle" and said the crisis requires a broader response, not just rent controls.
How it came about
Islington has previously taken action against landlords for overcrowding, poor conditions and operating unlicensed properties, including a 2020 case where two landlords were fined £110,500 for housing 35 people in three two‑bedroom flats. The council joins other London boroughs such as Hackney, Brighton and Hove, Oxford and Worcester that have called for rent‑control measures.
Key facts
- Islington Council declared a private‑renting crisis and voted on 24 September to lobby for rent‑control powers. (standard.co.uk)
- Average private rent in Islington was £2,868 in August 2026, up 6.2 % year‑on‑year. (standard.co.uk)
- Councillor Michael O’Sullivan warned landlords could raise rents to force tenants out after Section 21 was abolished. (standard.co.uk)
- Resident Bill Mitton said the problem needs a broader response beyond rent controls. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “London borough declares 'private renting crisis' and calls for rent controls”
