Shelter calls for 5 year rental contracts

Shelter is campaigning to give renters a fairer deal and greater security by introducing longer rental contracts, they are  calling on the housing minister Gavin Barwell to make five-year rental contracts available to renters. If necessary renters could leave such contracts early, but at least they’d have the option of staying in their home for a secure time period they say.

New research published by Shelter reveals the concern that families have with the present rental market, over the last ten years the number of renting families has more than doubled but the law has failed to keep in line with the needs of renters. One in four families now rent privately,  89% of renters told Shelter they thought short-term rental contracts are unfair.

On their Shelter Policy Blog they have listed FAQ’s ‘Longer rental contracts: How would they work? The leading question and reply: Why are you campaigning on this? The reason we’re calling for tenancies with five years of security is simple: they have the power to reduce homelessness and to make life more stable for renters, especially families. It would be a big improvement on the current status quo of 6-12 month contracts, and it’s been proven possible by the number of European countries with five-year, nine-year and indefinite rental agreements.

Read the Shelter Policy Blog  with FAQ’s in full click here.

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agent Talk

Choosing the Right Apartment Size in Centennial

Finding the right apartment size is one of the most important decisions renters make when moving to Centennial. Whether you’re new to the area or relocating within the Denver metro, choosing the correct floor plan can shape everything from your daily comfort to how well the space fits your lifestyle. Many renters begin their search…
Read More
Breaking News

Top tips to dent curb appeal

Top tips for high-net worth homeowners to dent curb appeal and dodge mansion tax The latest analysis by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed how high net worth homeowners could, in theory, dent the curb appeal of their property in an attempt to mitigate the impact of last week’s Budget announcement,…
Read More
Breaking News

Half of borrowers want two-year fixed mortgage deals

New data from Moneyfactscompare.co.uk shows that: Nearly half (49%) of borrowers comparing mortgage deals in November 2025 were considering two-year fixed-rate options. This shorter-term deal was favoured by first-time buyers (70%) and remortgage customers (62%), while second-time buyers showed more variation, with 45% leaning towards five-year or longer terms. Despite higher overall mortgage rates, 7% of…
Read More
new build homes colchester essex
Breaking News

Build to rent completions continue to rise at pace

New analysis from Property Inspect, a leading provider of inspection and compliance technology, reveals that the UK’s build to rent (BTR) sector with over 3,700 new units completed in the last quarter alone, but with the number of units under construction falling -12.5% on the year, is the supply pipeline about to dry up? Property…
Read More
Breaking News

Santa’s North Pole Property Worth a Cool £1m+

The latest market research by Yopa has valued Santa’s North Pole home at a cool £1,014,970, ranking it at the very top of the UK property market. What is even more impressive is the rate of appreciation that Father Christmas has enjoyed, with annual house price growth far outperforming every region of the UK. Yopa analysed…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Selective Licensing Requirements

Propertymark is reminding landlords of their responsibilities under Selective Licensing schemes as more local authorities across England and Wales continue to implement or expand these regulatory measures. Selective licensing is designed to improve housing standards, ensure safer communities, and provide greater oversight of privately rented properties. Propertymark urges landlords to familiarise themselves with the rules…
Read More