Cambridge Rent Control: What Landlords Should Know About Potential Reforms

Rent control is back on the radar—what would it mean for your strategy? In Cambridge and across the UK, affordability concerns are driving calls for new legislation, including rent caps and tighter regulation of the private rental sector. Landlords need to stay alert to these discussions and understand the implications for both AST and HMO properties.

What Rent Control Is and Where It’s Being Considered in the UK

Rent control refers to legal limits on how much landlords can charge or increase rent. These measures are often aimed at making housing more affordable, especially in high-demand cities. While the UK does not currently have national rent control, regional movements are pushing for change.

In cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, local authorities have called for the power to implement rent regulation. Cambridge has not yet announced formal proposals, but as a city with high rents and growing housing demand, it's under increasing pressure to follow suit.

Potential Impacts on ASTs and HMOs in Cambridge

If rent controls are introduced, they could affect:

• ASTs (Assured Shorthold Tenancies): Caps on annual rent increases could reduce flexibility to keep up with inflation or rising costs.

• HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation): With higher operating costs, HMOs may be disproportionately impacted if maximum room rates are introduced.

• Renewal Strategies: Rent control could limit increases at renewal, requiring landlords to reconsider long-term pricing models.

What We Know About Local Council and Government Positions

While Cambridge City Council has not formally proposed rent caps, its housing strategies frequently reference affordability as a critical issue. At the national level, the Labour Party has signalled support for exploring rent regulation in some form, while the Conservative Party remains opposed.

Policy direction could shift rapidly depending on political outcomes, so landlords should monitor:

• Local housing consultations

• Party manifestos and legislative proposals

• Industry body updates (e.g., NRLA, ARLA Propertymark)

How to Stay Compliant While Protecting Profitability

Regardless of future legislation, landlords can take steps now to futureproof their rental strategy:

• Review rents annually to stay aligned with market data

• Document all rent increases and tenant communications

• Offer value-added improvements to justify higher rent levels

• Build reserves in case future reforms cap income

• Seek legal advice before major rent adjustments

How Cambridge Stays Advises Clients on Policy Risks and Strategy

At Cambridge Stays, we stay on top of policy changes so you don’t have to. Our approach includes:

• Monitoring local and national policy updates

• Advising on rent strategy based on compliance and returns

• Managing tenant communications and notice periods

• Ensuring rent reviews are fair, legal, and well-documented

We help landlords navigate uncertainty while keeping properties profitable and tenants satisfied.

Need Guidance Through Uncertain Changes? We’re Here to Help.

With policy in flux, it pays to have expert support. Cambridge Stays partners with landlords to safeguard income and stay ahead of legal reform.

Let’s review your rental strategy together—before changes take you by surprise.