Half of landlords in England have kept rents unchanged over the past year, up from 40% previously, according to research by the TDS Charitable Foundation.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 landlords, found that retaining existing tenants was the primary reason for maintaining rents at current levels, cited by 47% of respondents. Concerns about cost-of-living pressures facing tenants were mentioned by 44%.
Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy, Research and Social Impact at The Dispute Service Group, which conducted the research on behalf of the Foundation, said: “It is encouraging to see more landlords choosing to keep rents unchanged, particularly at a time when many tenants continue to face significant financial pressures. However, our research shows that decisions about rents are rarely straightforward.”
Landlord profiles
The research identified distinct patterns in landlord behaviour. Those less likely to increase rents typically had no property debt or borrowing, owned only one rental property, or had never used a letting agent.
However, 48% of landlords reported increasing rents at least once during the 12-month period. The most common reasons given were higher running costs, increased property maintenance expenses, and the wider cost-of-living crisis.
Landlords who raised rents were more likely to have larger property portfolios, incomes of £100,000 or more, own at least one house in multiple occupation (HMO), or use a letting agent. This trend reflects broader changes in how letting agents manage properties in the current market.
Rent arrears decline
The study also examined rent arrears levels among tenants. Just over a quarter of landlords reported having at least one tenant in rent arrears, a slight decrease from 29% in the previous year’s survey.
The findings come as the rental sector faces ongoing regulatory changes and economic pressures affecting both landlords and tenants. The data suggests landlords are increasingly balancing financial pressures against the value of tenant retention and stability.
With tenant screening becoming more rigorous across the sector, as evidenced by recent compliance challenges for letting agents, the relationship between landlords and existing tenants appears to be gaining importance in portfolio management strategies.
