The Green Party has unveiled plans for a three-year emergency cap on private rent increases, proposing to limit annual rises to the lowest of inflation, wage growth, or 2%. Party leader Zack Polanski announced these measures at the Greens’ conference in Brighton today, 2 October 2026.
Polanski stated the party aims to end sudden rent increases and prevent landlords from using higher rents to force tenants out. The proposals would restrict landlords' ability to increase rents, even if their own costs are rising. The Greens also intend to introduce a national fair rents guarantee, which Polanski claims would ensure long-term rent affordability.
However, Propertymark has challenged these proposals, warning that rent controls could discourage investment and further reduce the supply of rental homes. Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s head of policy and campaigns, stated that rent caps do not address the underlying shortage of homes or the rising costs of providing and maintaining them. He highlighted that members in Scotland reported rent increases between tenancies, stalled investment, and landlords leaving the market following temporary rent caps.