I am writing this petition out of concern for people struggling with rising rents in housing association properties. Even as a full-time worker, I still need Universal Credit to help cover my rent, which shows how unaffordable it has become. The yearly rent increases add stress and financial pressure, and so-called “affordable rent” does not reflect what people in the local community can truly afford.

The current system ties rent increases to market rates, which are often inflated and do not reflect what local people can actually afford. As a result, rents are rising faster than wages, putting many families under serious financial pressure.

To make housing truly affordable, rent increases should be linked to local income levels rather than unpredictable market trends. By capping rent rises based on what residents earn, we can keep housing accessible, reduce reliance on support like Universal Credit, and provide greater stability for families.

We are calling for policy changes to ensure “affordable rent” genuinely reflects people’s financial realities. Support this petition to push for fairer rent policies based on local incomes.