Tube Map of Affordability shows how ridiculous London rent prices have become

Every Londoner knows only too well how costly it is to rent a place in the city.

But this bleak new specially-made map from housing crisis charity Shelter lays out in startling terms just how prohibitively expense the capital has become. This "Tube Map of Affordability" has removed the Tube stops now deemed to be unaffordable to the average renter (based on median rent and salary). As you can see, applying this formula wipes out all of Zone 1 - covering central London - and most of Zone 2. In all, 171 stations were closed, while 74 were kept open, but still deemed tough to gain a foothold in. Staggeringly, just 15 stations out of 270 on the map are identified as being in affordable areas. They are: Chesham, Amersham, Chalfont & Latimer, Watford, Epping, Theydon Bois, Debden, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Roding Valley, Chigwell, Elm Park, Hornchurch, Upminster Bridge, and Upminster. Recent reports have found that the average rent in London has risen by 19% in the last five years. The cost of renting a two-bed flat in the capital now comes out at £1,600 a month, which accounts for roughly 60% of a Londoner's income.   The issue of housing and rent is the greatest voter concern in the campaign for London mayor, which will be held next month. You can check out the positions of the four leading candidates - Sadiq Khan (Labour), Zac Goldsmith (Conservative), Sian Berry (Green), and Caroline Pidgeon (Lib Dems) - here. You have until April 18 to get on the register to vote in the May 5 election. Do you have a London rental/housing horror story that you'd care to share with us? Email us Hello@JOE.co.uk, or message us on our Facebook page.