Rents tick up as Renters’ Rights Act deadline approaches

Rents have increased for the first time in five months as the Renters’ Rights Act edges closer to becoming law, according to new data.

The latest figures from the HomeLet Rental Index show that average UK rents rose to £1,311 in March 2026, a 0.8% increase month‑on‑month from £1,301 in February.

After four consecutive months of decreases, average rents in the capital have increased by 1.5% since February, to £2,097. This is a 1.7% increase since March 2025.

First clear uptick since October

Kate Wenham, customer development team leader at HomeLet and Let Alliance, said: “After several months where rents either dipped slightly or stood still, March’s data shows the first clear uptick since October.

“We’re still experiencing a market where tenants must be conscious of price. Affordability pressures haven’t eased, but both landlords and renters appear to be adjusting to a new normal, with smaller, more measured rent increases rather than the sharp rises we’ve seen in the past.

“As May 1st edges closer, the focus for agents and landlords should be on sustainable tenancies rather than stretching affordability to breaking point.

“Strong fraud prevention through our referencing process, together with Rent Guarantee insurance, remains vital in helping landlords maintain stable tenancies, safeguard their income, and mitigate risk.”

Rents are generally increasing

Excluding London, the average rent across the rest of the UK has risen by £5 (0.4%) over the past month to £1,125, which is 1.6% higher than in March 2025.

At a regional level, rents are generally increasing, with eight regions recording a monthly rise, while four regions have seen a decrease.

The strongest annual rent increases were recorded in Northern Ireland (+4.9% year-on-year), Scotland (+3.6%), and the North East (+3.2%).

In Wales, rents have fallen slightly on a monthly basis, decreasing by 0.7% from £896 to £890, although this is still higher than the earlier level of £872.