Nearly Half of Landlords Raised Rents Last Year, With Many Earning Over $100,000 Annually

Nearly half of landlords increased their tenants' rent in the past year, with a majority of those landlords earning $100,000 or more annually, according to a poll by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Charitable Foundation (TDS). The research found that 48% of landlords raised rents at least once in the last 12 months. Of this group, 55% reported an annual income of $100,000 or more, considering income from both rental properties and other sources.

Further data from the TDS poll revealed that 60% of landlords who raised rents own five or more properties, and 54% utilize a letting agent. Approximately a third of all landlords surveyed (31%) reported earning over $100,000 per year, a notable increase from two years prior when that figure was 51%. The UK's median pre-tax household income is approximately $38,948.

Despite the increase in rent prices by some landlords, the overall number of landlords who increased rental prices saw a slight decrease. Fifty percent of landlords reported keeping rents unchanged over the past year, compared to 39% in the previous year.

Landlords cited rising running costs, increased property maintenance expenses, and the general rise in the cost of living as primary reasons for increasing rents. Dr. Jennifer Harris, head of policy, research and social impact at The Dispute Service Group, acknowledged the pressures landlords face while also noting the importance of retaining good tenants.

Renters' Rights Act and Tenant Protections

The Renters' Rights Act, which came into effect on May 1, 2026, introduced new regulations for landlords. Under this legislation, landlords can now only raise rents once per year, and the increase must not exceed the open market rate for comparable properties. Landlords are required to provide tenants with written notice of a proposed rent increase at least two months in advance. Tenants who believe a proposed rent increase is above market rate have the right to challenge it at a tribunal.

Existing rent review clauses in tenancy agreements became void after May 1, 2026, preventing landlords from using them to unilaterally increase rents. The survey results suggest that some landlords may have increased rents prior to this legislative change.

A recent legal case highlighted the potential for tenants to challenge rent increases. In one instance, a tenant challenged a $50 monthly rent increase. The tribunal, however, ruled that the market rent was $200 per month lower than the landlord's proposed rate, ordering the rent to be reduced. This outcome has raised concerns among some observers that the Renters' Rights Act could lead to de facto rent controls, even if not explicitly named as such.

Previously, tenants challenging rent increases had to prove that the proposed rent was significantly higher than what a landlord could reasonably expect for a similar property. Tenants also have the option to challenge their rent within six months of moving into a property, regardless of whether an increase was proposed. While challenging a rent increase requires a $47 application fee, the tribunal can order the landlord to reimburse this cost if the tenant wins their case.