Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSimon EnglishTuesday 28 April 2026 12:30 BSTStarmer warns cost of living spike from Trump’s Iran war ‘won’t be easy’ for BritonsChancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering a plan to force landlords to freeze rents for up to a year.This proposal is part of a wider cost of living package aimed at mitigating the impact of rising food and fuel prices on household budgets.Supporters, such as the New Economics Foundation, argue that rent controls could address the private rented sector's affordability crisis.Critics, including the National Residential Landlords Association, warn that a rent freeze would deter investment, reduce housing supply, and ultimately drive new rents higher.New-build properties would be exempt from the freeze to avoid halting development, and while the Green Party advocates for rent freezes, Labour previously rejected a similar proposal.In fullReeves considers freezing rents in bid to ease pain of price rises sparked by Iran warThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in