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UK Renters' Rights Bill Gains Momentum as Campaign for Rent Control Intensifies

Bridget Chapman, a single mother facing a 20% rent hike, calls for reforms to protect tenants from sudden rent increases, with her petition surpassing 45,000 signatures.

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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.