Our United Tenant Action Puts The Rental Crisis On Council Agenda

A Major Step Forward

In a recent Cheltenham Borough Council meeting, the Cheltenham Tenants Union achieved a significant milestone by bringing the critical issue of the private rental sector to the forefront of the council's agenda. Thanks to the passionate advocacy of Councillor Foster, the council has acknowledged the skyrocketing rents in the private sector as a key driver of homelessness in our community. This marks a turning point for tenant rights in Cheltenham, as the council has committed to a housing committee report in September 2025 to explore actionable steps to support private renters. For the Tenants Union, this is a moment to celebrate—a testament to what collective action can achieve.

The Private Rental Crisis in Cheltenham

The private rental sector in Cheltenham is in crisis. As Councillor Foster highlighted, the council's end-of-year performance table flagged a stark reality: rising private sector rents are making homes unaffordable, pushing many into homelessness. Our Tenants Union surveys reveal the harsh truth tenants face daily—30 to 40% of their income is swallowed by rent, leaving little for other essentials. Worse, the fear of short-notice evictions looms large, intimidating tenants into silently accepting exorbitant rents and substandard conditions.

Councillor Foster also raised the impact of Airbnbs, which studies show drive up rental costs by reducing available housing stock. She called for proactive measures, such as monitoring short-term rentals and ensuring landlords pay appropriate council taxes. These are bold ideas that the Tenants Union fully supports, as they signal a shift toward holding the private sector accountable.

A Council Divided: Denial and Opportunity

While this discussion is a victory, it also exposed a troubling denial of responsibility among some Liberal Democrat councillors, who hold the majority. Councillor Allen argued that increasing housing supply through developments like Golden Valley would naturally lower rents, sidestepping direct intervention in the private sector. Councillor Tuk questioned the council’s powers to cap rents, pointing to complex factors like mental health and family breakdowns as causes of homelessness. These responses reveal a gap in understanding the council’s potential to act decisively—whether through landlord licensing, tax enforcement on Airbnbs, or partnerships to promote fair rents.

Yet, there is hope. Councillor Clucas confirmed the upcoming housing committee report, promising a focus on what the council can do to assist private tenants. Councillor Jeff, while noting national government limitations, urged councillors to share ideas proactively, signaling openness to collaboration. These commitments are a foundation we can build upon, but they are just the start.

The Work Ahead

The Tenants Union’s milestone is not the end—it’s the beginning. We must hold the council and other stakeholders accountable to ensure the September report delivers meaningful reforms. We need policies that protect tenants from unfair evictions, cap excessive rent increases, and regulate short-term rentals like Airbnbs. The council must recognize its powers—local authorities elsewhere have implemented landlord registers and stricter regulations on holiday lets, and Cheltenham can follow suit.

Our surveys show that tenants’ biggest fear is eviction with little notice, forcing many to endure unaffordable rents out of desperation. This is unacceptable. The council must work with the Tenants Union to champion tenant rights, ensuring everyone in Cheltenham has access to safe, affordable, and stable housing.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

This milestone proves the power of our collective voice, but there’s so much more to do. The Cheltenham Tenants Union is calling on every resident—renters, homeowners, and community allies—to join us in building a stronger, fairer housing system. Here’s how you can help:

• Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Stay informed about our campaigns. Support the work to build strength in numbers. We've shown it works.
• Share the Message: Spread the word about this milestone and the private rental crisis. Share this article on social media, with friends, and in community groups to amplify our cause.
• Donate to Our Membership Drive: Your contributions fuel our advocacy, from organizing events to lobbying councillors. Every donation helps us grow stronger.

Building a Brighter Future

The Cheltenham Tenants Union’s push to prioritize the private rental sector is a historic achievement, but it’s only the first step. We will continue to fight for tenant rights, challenge denialism, and demand accountability from the council and private landlords. With your support, we can transform Cheltenham into a place where every tenant has a secure, affordable home in a thriving community.

Join us. Subscribe, share, donate, and let’s build a movement that no council can ignore.