According to the latest data from HomeLet, the average rent for new tenancies in the UK reached a record high in April 2026, rising 9.2% year-on-year to £1,345 per month. This is the largest annual increase since the index began in 2000.
The increase coincides with the introduction of the Renters' Rights Bill, which came into effect in early 2026. The legislation bans no-fault evictions under Section 21 and introduces a Decent Homes Standard for the private rented sector.
Industry analysts suggest that some landlords may have raised rents in anticipation of the new rules, while others have sold properties, reducing supply. The Office for National Statistics reported that private rental prices in the UK rose by 8.7% in the 12 months to March 2026, the highest annual rate since records began in 2015.
Tenant groups have called for further measures to address affordability, while landlord associations warn that rent controls could worsen the supply shortage. The government has stated that the reforms aim to provide greater security for tenants without destabilizing the market.
