Explainer
Explainer: what a hung parliament actually means for your rent
No majority, no budget, no new laws. Here is what changes, and what does not, while the politicians negotiate.
Political editor
4 min read
Rent controls passed last year remain in force during coalition talks.
If you rent, the short answer is: less than you might fear. Most housing rules are already in law and do not depend on a sitting government.
The longer answer depends on three things that are now on hold.
What stays the same
Existing rent caps, eviction protections and housing benefits continue automatically. Landlords cannot use the political uncertainty to change contracts.
What is on hold
The planned increase in housing benefit, which required a new budget.
The $2bn fund to buy and renovate empty apartments.
New rules on short-term holiday rentals.
What to watch
If talks collapse and a new election is called, these measures could be delayed by at least six months. Tenant organisations advise renters not to sign long contracts with unusual clauses until the situation is clearer.
Daniel Szabo
Political editor
Daniel covers parliaments, coalitions and the policies that come out of them.
