Some landlords are increasing rents prior to the Renters’ Rights Bill coming into place, figures from Go.Compare home insurance show.
The bill was introduced in September 2024 and is expected to come into effect in late 2025 or early 2026, with the headline alteration being the abolition of Section 21 Evictions.
Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “These latest figures indicate that the Renters’ Rights Bill could have had an unwanted side effect for tenants, more of whom seem to be dealing with rent rises since the announcement.
“Renters should be wary that costs could increase ahead of the bill taking effect. If you do experience a rent rise, remember that your landlord must follow certain rules before doing so, like those outlined in your contract, and you can challenge the rise if these haven’t been adhered to.
“A rent rise won’t impact your contents insurance. But, if you’re worried about extra costs, it can be worth comparing policies to see if it can help alleviate the extra expenses from the rise, as you might find the same level of protection for a lower price.”
Hotspots
Tenants in Broxbourne and Camden have seen the largest proportional rent increases in the country since September 2024.
Both areas recorded a 12.2% jump in monthly rents over that period.
The average monthly rent in the Hertfordshire town is now £178 higher than it was in September last year, while renting in the trendy London borough has gone up by an eye-watering £306.
Other places with significant proportional rent increases include Slough (11.9%), Gloucester (9.8%) and Newcastle upon Tyne (9.5%). Another London district, Barking and Dagenham, narrowly missed the top five highest increases, with average rents rising by 9.4% since September 2024.
Brent, in London, experienced the biggest decrease over this period. Rents dropped by 3.7% with tenants here now paying £79 per month less. It’s one of only five areas in England to see a decrease, the others being the
Derbyshire Dales (2.1%), Melton (1.8%), Kirklees (1.2%) and Bristol (0.7%).
