The big picture: The government's Renters' Rights Bill introduces a cap on advance rent payments, limiting landlords to requesting only one month's rent upfront – a significant change from the current system where multiple months can be demanded.
Lee Pearce, Head of Property Dispute Team at Ellisons, believes the legislation needs careful consideration: "For the private rental market to function effectively, it is crucial to strike a fair balance between protecting tenants and landlords. If the Government has misjudged this, their plans risk being more of a headline than a genuine solution to the challenges in the rental sector."
Why it matters: With rental properties already in short supply across Ipswich, any reduction in available housing could drive up costs and make it even harder for locals to find accommodation.
By the numbers:
Data from the Deposit Protection Scheme shows 1 in 8 landlords requested between four and six months' rent upfront between May and December last year
The government estimates renters could save up to £8,000 in advance payments
The other side: Ipswich MP Jack Abbott supports the changes, saying: "For too long, renters in Ipswich have had to find large sums of cash upfront, meaning they are pushed into debt or have to go without essential living costs."
Yes, but: Pearce warns the changes could have unexpected consequences: "Reducing upfront costs will undoubtedly help renters, but deposits and advance payments are vital for landlords, providing security in a system where evictions can be lengthy and costly."
He adds that certain groups may find it harder to rent:
OpinionLimiting upfront rent to one month's payment leaves landlords exposed and may discourage them from renting to tenants with less stable financial backgrounds. Pensioners, overseas students, the self-employed, and others may have difficulties satisfying referencing and affordability checks.
The bottom line: While the legislation aims to make renting more affordable and accessible, there are genuine concerns that it could reduce rental property availability in Ipswich and increase rental prices.
Ellisons Solicitors
Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Kingsfleet, Upside Finance and All About Hearing
Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
Improve your financial wellbeing
Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.
Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch
Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.Ipswich shoplifter back behind bars just months after previous conviction
A man jailed in August for stealing over £1,000 from Ipswich supermarkets is back in prison after being caught stealing again just weeks later, highlighting the challenges of repeat offending in the town centre.
Refill shop launches FIND food bank collection on Woodbridge Road
Customers at Unwrapped & Refill in Ipswich can now pick up an extra tin or jar and drop it in a FIND (Families in Need) donation basket, helping Ipswich families facing hardship this Christmas and beyond.
Twenty-three years of hope and heartbreak: Why Broomhill Pool campaigners refuse to give up
Despite two failed attempts to secure funding for one of Britain's finest lidos, the Broomhill Pool Trust chairman is urging stakeholders to "finally get the project over the line" – arguing the scheme is ready-made with planning permission, design approval, and unprecedented public support.Nearly 5,000 military homes in East of England set for major upgrade
Armed forces families in nearly 5,000 military homes across the East of England will benefit from a new Defence Housing Strategy that commits £9 billion over the next decade to upgrade and modernise military accommodation.New project aims to shine light on 'unrecorded' disability experiences in Suffolk
A new heritage project will capture the lived experiences of people with disabilities in Suffolk, addressing a gap in historical records while challenging perceptions about inclusion and accessibility in communities today.Kingsfleet, Upside Finance and All About Hearing
Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Improve your financial wellbeing
Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch
Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.Over 1,500 Suffolk residents sign petition calling for quieter fireworks
More than 1,500 people across Suffolk have signed a petition urging the government to reduce the maximum noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 to 90 decibels.More than 8,600 Ipswich and Central Suffolk residents sign petition against digital ID cards
Thousands of residents in the Ipswich and Central Suffolk and North Ipswich constituencies have signed a parliamentary petition opposing the introduction of digital ID cards, making it the most popular petition in the area.Blues show steel to salvage point against in-form Hornets
Ipswich Town demonstrated their growing resilience on Tuesday night, recovering from an early setback to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a Watford side that had hammered second-placed Middlesbrough 3-0 just days earlier.
87-year-old veteran leads Ipswich march as Medals2Matches creates space for heroes to share stories
Phil Hubert, 87, performed The Last Post before leading veterans through Ipswich town centre to Portman Road on Tuesday, 4 November, in a moment that captured the spirit of Medals2Matches – an initiative that has helped veterans open up, connect, and speak about their wellbeing for four years.Sackers sells trade waste arm to Biffa
National waste firm Biffa has acquired the trade waste arm of Sackers, a long-established scrap yard and waste management company based near Ipswich, for an undisclosed sum.Kingsfleet, Upside Finance and All About Hearing
Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Improve your financial wellbeing
Based in Ipswich, Upside Finance provides expert mortgage, insurance and pensions advice, with a focus on making financial services accessible and straightforward.Exceptional hearing care with a personal touch
Suffolk’s independent hearing specialists, combining expert care, cutting-edge technology and personalised service to help you hear at your best.Ipswich IT firm ICS reports 30% growth and expands team
ICS, an IT support company based in Ipswich, has reported 30% growth over the past year and increased its headcount by 25% in the last three months.How you can help local children wake up to gifts this Christmas
Shoppers at the Buttermarket Centre can donate new toys and food items to ensure no Ipswich family goes without this festive season, with donations accepted until 14 December.
