Greens Propose Three-Year Rent Cap Linked to Inflation, Wages, or 2%

Green party leader Zack Polanski is set to present a three-year “emergency brake” on private rent increases at the party’s Brighton conference. The scheme would restrict landlords from raising rents by more than the lowest of consumer-price index inflation, wage growth, or a 2% ceiling, mirroring the formula used for pension adjustments. In addition, Polanski will announce a “fair rents guarantee” to ensure affordability once the temporary cap expires.

The Greens say the measure will give wages time to catch up with rents, which have been rising faster than incomes and forcing many young people and families to remain with or return to their parents. MP Carla Denyer described the proposal as a “much-needed reset” while the government works on a longer-term rent-control framework. The plan follows the Labour-led Renters’ Rights Act that abolished no-fault evictions and other landlord-friendly practices. Average monthly rent in England now stands at £1,459, more than half the median monthly salary of £2,657, highlighting the affordability gap the Greens aim to address.