Overview

• Bridget Chapman, a single mother from Darlington, launched a petition advocating for rent controls after her landlord imposed a 20% rent increase with one month's notice.
• The petition, which has gained over 45,000 signatures, highlights the financial strain on renters and calls for caps on rent increases and utility costs.
• The UK Government's Renters' Rights Bill, currently in Parliament, aims to end no-fault evictions, limit advance rent demands, and help tenants challenge unreasonable rent hikes.
• A Generation Rent survey found 61% of renters faced rent increases in the past year, with 24% reporting hikes exceeding £100, often attributed to landlords seeking higher revenue.
• Chapman’s experience with poor living conditions and rising costs underscores the challenges faced by low-income renters, as the Government also outlines plans to increase the minimum wage.