New research by Go Compare has revealed how the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill has triggered a surge in rental prices, with 53% of tenants experiencing increases since the legislation was announced in September 2024.

Renters’ Rights Bill could have had an unwanted side effect on tenants.”

Nathan Blackler (pictured), the firm’s Home Insurance Expert, says: ‘“These latest figures indicate that the Renters’ Rights Bill could have an unwanted side effect on tenants, more of whom seem to be dealing with rent rises since the announcement”.

The data reveals landlords have been pushing up rents before the legislation makes it easier for tenants to challenge any rises.

Sharp increase

At the start of 2022, a fifth of renters said their rent had not been increased. That increased to a third during 2023 before jumping to 53% after the bill’s launch in September last year.

Go Compare estimates 2.5 million households are now facing higher rents, with average increases of 4% adding £58 per month to rents. Collectively, it means tenants are paying £147 million more per month than before the bill’s introduction.

One-bedroom properties have seen the steepest rises at 4.8%, costing tenants an extra £52 per month. Flats and maisonettes are not far behind with a rise of 4.7%, adding £62 per month to rents. Detached properties had the lowest increases at 3.6% (£54 more per month).

The data also reveals the bill is resulting in landlords taking pre-emptive action over evictions, with an uplift in ‘accelerated possession orders’ and a 10% rise in repossessions by bailiffs.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent sometime in the autumn.