London Mayor Sadiq Khan is hosting an emergency Private Rented Sector Summit today but landlords have voiced their disappointment after being left out of proceedings.
The summit is expected to be attended by private renters, charities, advocacy groups and politicians.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “It is disappointing in the extreme that the Mayor of London feels he can solve the challenges faced in the capital’s rental market without any input from those who actually provide the homes.
“The stark and simple reality is that whilst the demand for private rented housing in London continues to increase, the supply of such homes is falling.
“This is a direct consequence of Government policy aimed at shrinking the size of the sector, along with rhetoric from the Mayor that suggests private landlords are simply a problem to be managed.
“If the Mayor wants to address the cost pressures faced by households across London, he needs to focus on boosting the number of homes available.
“Anything else would merely be tinkering with the symptoms of the challenges in the rental market, without tackling the root cause of them.”
Rents in London have hit an average of £2343 a month according to the Mayor’s office, while bills and other costs continue to surge.
Khan said: “London’s private renters are facing a triple whammy with rising rents, bills, and the cost of household essentials putting a major strain on their finances.
“Ministers must take this crisis seriously and act now.
“There is no time to waste so we have come together today to speak with one voice.
“Our demands to ministers are simple: implement your long-promised renters reform legislation and take action now to make rents more affordable for Londoners, using all powers at the Government’s disposal.
“As we continue working to build a better, fairer London for everyone, it’s vital that we stand up for renters in our city and find common ground on the action that needs to be taken to support them through the cost-of-living crisis, pay their rent and keep their homes.”
