'With four jobs in London I couldn't afford rent so I'm going to Manchester'
Summary
A London resident named Lauren Elcock is moving to Manchester because rent in London has become too expensive for her, even though she works multiple jobs. A new law called the Renters' Rights Act introduces some protections for tenants, but many renters and housing campaigners say that rents are still too high and more action is needed.Key Facts
- Lauren Elcock, 31, pays £850 a month for a shared room in London, but plans to move to Manchester where rent is £500 a month.
- She lost her main job in May 2025 and now works four different jobs to cover her rent and living costs.
- Hundreds of people protested in London demanding more affordable rent and stronger tenant protections.
- The Renters' Rights Act starts on 1 May and requires landlords to give two months' notice before raising rent, only raise rent once a year to the market rate, and ends "bidding wars" that pushed rents above advertised prices.
- The law lets tenants challenge rent increases they believe are unfair in a special court.
- Renters' groups say the new law helps with security but does not address rent affordability, calling for rent controls and caps.
- UK average private rents grew by 3.5% to £1,367 per month in the year to September 2025, with London rents rising the most.
- A recent survey found 30% of tenants who stayed in the same place had rent increases and 11% faced eviction or eviction notices since the law was passed.
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