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# Ipswich MP backs advance rent cap limit but local property experts warn of 'unintended consequences'
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-mp-backs-advance-rent-cap-limit-experts-urge-caution/
- Published: 2025-01-15T10:24:01.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:25:35.000Z
- Description: Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has backed new legislation limiting advance rent payments to one month, but local property experts warn the changes could have unintended consequences for renters in Ipswich.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Housing & Urban Development, Money, poverty and the cost of living, #article, Ellisons Solicitors, Lee Pearce, Jack Abbott, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**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](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/lee-pearce/), Head of Property Dispute Team at [Ellisons](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/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.

![Let sign on a street](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1724071591-palmer-partners-let-sign-3.jpg)

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has backed new legislation limiting advance rent payments to one month, but local property experts warn the changes could have unintended consequences for renters Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**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:

**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.

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