Rent control continues to be a highly debated topic in the UK rental market. With rising rents, limited housing options, and affordability concerns, many tenants are looking for ways to secure their homes without facing unpredictable price hikes. The conversation around rent control touches on issues like rent increase caps, stronger tenant protections, and the role of government regulation in stabilizing the rental market.
To shed light on tenant opinions, we leveraged AI-driven audience profiling to synthesise insights to a high statistical confidence level. By evaluating the resultant data from 485,852 UK tenants over the 12 months to 14 April 2025, we were able to determine how renters feel about government-imposed rent control measures and get a clearer picture of the challenges and potential solutions from the tenant perspective.
Index
- 56% of UK tenants feel somewhat informed about their rent increase rights
- 262% tenants have had rental increases of more than 20% in the past year
- 856% of UK tenants are on a fixed-term tenancy
- 36% review their tenancy agreement in detail
- Negotiating rent with a landlord was partially successful for 54%
- 44% tenants say their landlord does not explain rent increases at all
- 42% UK tenants say their landlord has raised rent moderately
- 393% of UK tenants are only somewhat confident in keeping up with rent payments if they increase
- 7Being priced out is the top concern for 49% of UK tenants
- 47% of UK tenants say a rent increase would be the main reason for moving
- 17% of UK tenants somewhat oppose rent control
- Legal advice in a rental dispute or increase is extremely important for 35% of tenants
- 27% of tenants are not very unlikely to seek legal advice
- Tenant rights enforcement matters most for 43%
- 54% currently rent in London
- About the Data
How Informed Do You Feel About Your Rights Regarding Rent Increases?
56% of UK tenants feel somewhat informed about their rent increase rights
Tenant confidence in their understanding of rent increase rights spans from high to hesitant:
At 56%, most UK tenants feel somewhat informed, implying that they are aware of the basics, but likely lack the detail needed to push back confidently. Only 23% feel very informed, while 21% are neutral, pointing to a sizeable group who aren’t sure what protections or options they have.
With the majority feeling “somewhat informed,” tenants appear stuck in a grey area. They know rent rules exist but may not understand how or when to use them. That can make a big difference when faced with a sudden rent hike or unclear notice. Without clear, accessible guidance, this partial awareness risks leaving renters underprepared when it matters most.
When the Renters’ Rights Bill commences, Tenants will need to be much more open to ensuring that landlords are fixing rents at an appropriate market level and that they understand how a landlord increases rent in an Assured Periodic Tenancy. There are time-limited mechanisms for challenging the new rent amount built into the notice to increase the rent, and tenants can even challenge the rent for not being at a market level from the outset of a tenancy being entered.
How Much Has Your Rent Increased In The Past 12 Months?
62% tenants have had rental increases of more than 20% in the past year
Rent increases over the past year have varied, but large jumps were common:
With 62% reporting a rise of more than 20%, large increases clearly dominate the picture. This suggests that for many tenants, rent hikes haven’t just crept up; they’ve surged. A further 35% experienced increases of up to 20%, reinforcing the pattern. Nearly every tenant in our audience saw a double-digit rise.
Only 3% said their rent increased between 6% and 10%, and fewer than 1% saw changes of 5% or less, which is more in line with official figures. According to the Office for National Statistics, average UK monthly private rents rose by 8.1% in the 12 months to February 2025, reaching £1,326. This suggests that while modest rent increases exist, they’re currently the exception rather than the norm.
The problem for tenants in the private rented sector is that the demand for rental property has increased, especially as nervousness around the huge changes that will follow the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Bill has caused a lot of landlords to leave the sector.
What Type Of Rental Agreement Are You Currently On?
56% of UK tenants are on a fixed-term tenancy
Tenants are renting under a range of agreement types, reflecting changes in how the rental market is structured:
Fixed-term contracts lead the way, with 56% of tenants saying they’re currently on one. These agreements are often used in the private rental sector and offer some predictability over a set period. Company lets account for 36%, highlighting a sizeable portion of renters operating under corporate or managed property arrangements. This setup is less common in public discussions, but clearly prominent in practice.
Periodic tenancies make up just 7% of responses, suggesting limited use of rolling month-to-month agreements. Only 1% reported being on an assured shorthold tenancy (AST), indicating a steep decline in what was once one of the UK’s most common rental formats. With ASTs set to be abolished under the Renters’ Rights Bill, these results may offer an early glimpse of a system already in transition.
I don’t understand this one – ASTs are the dominant tenancy at present and agents love them because they can be fixed terms and they can charge their landlord for the renewals. With periodic they won’t get this ability and is why an assured tenancy is not used from the outset generally. Unless this is suggesting that ASTs are not being used now, which is strange as most tenancies will fall under the definition for one.
How Often Do You Review Your Tenancy Agreement Terms?
36% review their tenancy agreement in detail
Tenants take different approaches to how often they check their rental terms:
At 36%, the largest group say they review their tenancy agreement in detail, which indicates that many renters are actively paying attention to the terms that govern their housing. A further 32% review their agreement before signing or renewing, focusing on key transition points. 29% check it annually, while just 3% review it every few months. This shows that regular checks remain relatively rare.
Shelter advises tenants to check their tenancy agreement for key clauses such as break terms, which allow either party to end the tenancy early, and how rent increases are handled. With reforms like the Renters’ Rights Bill set to replace fixed terms with rolling periodic tenancies, understanding what is in the fine print is more important than ever.
With periodic tenancies the tenant must know what the terms are and how they affect the tenancy from the outset but they are unlikely to change during their occupancy save for rent increases that are dealt with separately on an annual basis. With regular renewal documents at present the terms might be changed and tenants are wise to check them at this stage. If any terms were to change with a periodic tenancy both parties would need to agree, or the tenant could challenge notification of a change in the First Tier Tribunal.
Have You Ever Negotiated Your Rent With A Landlord Or Letting Agent?
Negotiating rent with a landlord was partially successful for 54%
Tenant negotiation is more common than many might assume, and often leads to results.
54% of tenants in our dataset say they were partially successful in negotiating their rent, suggesting some movement in price or terms, even if not a full win. 46% said they negotiated successfully, indicating that nearly half of renters achieved the outcome they wanted.
The near even split shows that negotiation is far from futile. Whether it results in a reduced increase, added flexibility, or a fixed rate, many tenants find that it is worth asking.
When the RRB is introduced the rent that the landlord or letting agent states is the rent cannot be altered other than down. Rent increases and bargaining is strictly prohibited under the new legislation.
How Well Do You Feel Your Landlord Explains Rent Increases Or Changes?
44% tenants say their landlord does not explain rent increases at all
Tenant experiences with rent increase communication reveal a consistent lack of clarity:
44% of UK tenants say their landlord does not explain rent changes at all, while another 31% describe the explanation as not very clear. That means three out of four tenants receive little to no useful communication when their rent increases. Just 16% feel these changes are somewhat clearly explained, and only 8% were neutral. Fewer than 1% said their landlord explained rent changes very clearly.
This points to a widespread communication gap, despite clear legal requirements. Landlords must give at least one month’s notice for rent increases in periodic tenancies, and they must follow the process set out in the tenancy agreement. But when tenants aren’t clearly told what’s changing and why, they may not know whether the rules have been followed or if they can raise concerns.
Under the RRB the Landlord must ensure that 12 monthly (at best) rent increases are at the market rent for that property and not made-up figures otherwise the tenant can challenge the increase in the First Tier Tribunal. The landlord will need to give 2 months’ notice of the increase, and it will need to commence at the start of a rental period. As this will be the only way to increase rent during a periodic tenancy it should help tenants.
How Has Your Landlord Responded To Cost Of Living Pressures?
42% UK tenants say their landlord has raised rent moderately
Landlords have taken different approaches in responding to recent economic pressures:
Rents for new lets in the UK have increased by 24% over the past three years, and many tenants on lower-to-middle incomes have struggled to keep pace with the rise. Against that backdrop, 42% say their landlord raised the rent moderately, while 38% say the increase was significant. Either way, most landlords have responded by raising prices. Some may have tried to keep the increase manageable, but very few have taken steps to ease the pressure.
18% say they received no communication at all. Even if the increase followed the right process, saying nothing can feel out of step with what many tenants are going through. Just 2% say their landlord froze rent in response to the wider economic climate, showing how rare that kind of support still is.
Even landlords can struggle to put the rent up and may prefer to avoid communication on this tricky subject it seems. A landlord’s situation is not usually thought to be difficult, but some still struggle with increased mortgage repayments.
How Confident Are You In Your Ability To Afford Rent If It Continues To Increase?
93% of UK tenants are only somewhat confident in keeping up with rent payments if they increase
Tenants are managing for now, but future affordability remains uncertain:
An overwhelming 93% say they are only somewhat confident about keeping up with rent if it continues to rise. That figure reflects a broad sense of caution. Most tenants meet their current obligations but may need to reassess if prices rise much further.
Only 7% say they feel very confident. While that group remains in a strong position, the broader picture reflects a growing focus on affordability. Rents have risen by 40% over the past five years, compared to a 28% wage increase. The result is what has been described as an "affordability ceiling". With costs already outpacing income growth, it is easy to see why confidence remains limited.
This is the crux of the problem for renters if the demand keeps rising. Tenants are naturally worried about hefty increases in rent as their income generally is not keeping up and the cost of living including utilities seems consistently to rise.
What Concerns You Most About Rent Increases?
Being priced out is the top concern for 49% of UK tenants
Tenants have different priorities regarding rent increases, but some concerns stand out more than others:
For 49% of tenants, the biggest worry is being priced out. For many, the question is not just how much rent will rise, but whether they can stay in their homes if it does. This concern is being echoed more widely. According to the NRLA's Tenant Trends 2025 report, 27% of tenants expect rents to increase further following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill. That’s a sign that anxieties about future affordability are growing.
Poor communication is the next major concern, cited by 37% of tenants in our data. When rent increases come with little explanation, it adds to the uncertainty. 10% are most concerned about the lack of regulation, while just 4% mention reduced disposable income. Fewer than 1% say unpredictable rent renewals are their top worry. The responses show that pricing and the fear of losing control over it remain at the heart of tenant concerns.
Landlords will need to produce a comparable rent for a property that a tenant occupies to demonstrate that an increase is in line with what the market level is. One of the additional problems will be how a landlord considers new tenant applicants for a property as there are likely to be many applications for one property. Discrimination will be illegal under the RRB but this is an area that is not well policed and tenants could miss out.
What Factor Would Make You Most Likely To Move Out Of Your Current Rental?
47% of UK tenants say a rent increase would be the main reason for moving
Tenants move for a variety of reasons, shaped by personal, financial, and practical factors:
57% of UK tenants plan to move home in 2025. That level of mobility makes it all the more important to understand what drives those decisions.
A rent increase is the most common tipping point, with 47% selecting it as their top reason for considering leaving. That response reflects how closely rental decisions are tied to affordability.
35% selected lack of support, highlighting how much value tenants place on clear communication and responsive management. For 12%, the natural end of a lease would prompt the decision, suggesting that some moves are driven by timing rather than dissatisfaction. Just 4% pointed to poor maintenance as their main reason for thinking about leaving, and only 1% would choose better opportunities elsewhere.
The results show that tenants are more likely to move when they feel priced out or unsupported, rather than for external opportunities or minor issues with the property itself.
This does lean towards the fact that it is profit before people given the market drivers. Many tenants will put up and shut up if there is despair to avoid being evicted.
How Supportive Are You Of Government-Imposed Rent Control Measures?
17% of UK tenants somewhat oppose rent control
Support for rent control measures is mixed, with no single view dominating the conversation:
17% say they somewhat oppose government-imposed rent control measures, while just under 17% say they somewhat support them. 15% selected not strongly oppose, and 13% not strongly support. A further 11% chose not somewhat support, while over 1% selected not somewhat oppose.
At the other end of the scale, 8% say they strongly oppose rent control, and 7% say they strongly support it. Only 1% describe themselves as neutral, while 10% selected not neutral, a category that may reflect indecision or uncertainty about the options.
Taken together, the results paint a picture of tenants still forming opinions on rent control. While there is movement in both directions, firm support or opposition remains limited, and many appear to be sitting somewhere in the middle. New polling from Ipsos, however, shows that seven in ten support rent controls, indicating that broader public sentiment may be more settled.
How Important Is Legal Advice When Facing A Rent Dispute Or Increase?
Legal advice in a rental dispute or increase is extremely important for 35% of tenants
When it comes to rent disputes or increases, tenants clearly place high value on having legal guidance:
Of our audience, 35% say legal advice is extremely important, indicating strong demand for clarity and protection when navigating rental issues. A further 20% say it is very important, with 11% selecting important and another 11% choosing moderately important. These layers of agreement suggest that while not everyone sees legal input as essential, most view it as a helpful or reassuring presence in difficult situations.
22% describe it as slightly important, indicating that some tenants may feel confident handling issues themselves unless the dispute escalates. Only 2% say it is not extremely important, and less than 1% say it is not very important.
Overall, the results show that legal advice is widely viewed as a valuable resource. Whether for formal disputes or informal negotiations, tenants appear to value knowing their rights and having support if those rights are challenged.
The tenant is generally perceived to be the weaker of the landlord and tenant in terms of their legal knowledge, though this is not always the case. Many tenants need the support and find it difficult to get it when needed.
How Likely Are You To Seek Legal Advice If You Receive A Rent Increase You Believe Is Unfair?
27% of tenants are not very unlikely to seek legal advice
As the graph below indicates, tenants respond in different ways when faced with rent increases they believe are unjustified:
The overriding opinions here are very close, with 27% not very unlikely to seek legal advice, and another 27% not unlikely. This suggests that many tenants would consider getting help, even if they’re not fully committed to it. 25% chose not neutral, indicating uncertainty or difficulty with the available options.
Only 4% say they are very likely, and another 4% likely to seek legal advice in such a case. Conversely, 2% say they are very unlikely, 2% unlikely, and less than 1% not very likely. Just 7% chose a neutral stance.
The results show a cautious openness to seeking legal advice. While firm decisions are rare on either side, many tenants seem to lean toward getting help if a rent increase feels unreasonable, even if they stop short of calling it a certainty.
What Would Give You The Most Peace Of Mind As A Renter?
Tenant rights enforcement matters most for 43%
For renters, peace of mind often comes down to knowing their position is protected and respected:
43% of our audience feel that stronger enforcement of tenant rights would make the biggest difference to their sense of security. That response points to a desire not just for protections on paper, but for real-world follow-through when those protections are challenged.
Closely behind, 42% say caps on rent increases would offer the most peace of mind. While not opposed to paying fair rent, many tenants want to avoid the stress of unpredictable hikes.
9% think that longer-term lease options would help, suggesting a smaller but meaningful desire for stability over time. 5% selected transparent communication, highlighting the importance of trust and openness in the tenant–landlord relationship. Less than 1% say access to legal support would provide the most peace of mind, possibly because legal action is seen more as a last resort than a source of day-to-day reassurance.
A lot of tenants will also not wish to upset things but complaining to avoid a possible notice being served that will eventually end their tenancy – this will be more tailored when the RRB is in and the reason proved for eviction.
Where In The UK Do You Currently Rent Your Property?
54% currently rent in London
Tenant experiences are shaped by where they live, as much as by rent levels or terms. Here’s where our audience rents:
London is home to 54% of the tenants in our dataset. As the UK’s largest rental market, with over 1.8 million rented properties, the capital naturally accounts for a significant portion of the data. 20% rent in the South East, and 16% in Northern England. These areas face many of the same challenges, including rising costs and limited availability, but often on a different scale.
8% say they rent in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, and just 2% are based in the Midlands. While many renter concerns are shared, the day-to-day experience still varies depending on where someone rents in the UK, from pricing and support to availability and long-term options.
The views of 485,852 tenants across the UK reveal mixed feelings about rent control. While many tenants are concerned about rising rents and a lack of support, others show interest in measures like rent increase caps and stronger enforcement of tenant rights. There’s a clear interest in finding solutions, but opinions on rent control vary. The data highlights that tenants actively consider these issues as they navigate an increasingly expensive rental market.
About the Data
The data was sourced from an independent sample of 485,852 UK tenant opinions from X, Quora, Reddit, TikTok, and Threads. Responses are collected within an 85% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Engagement estimates how many people in the location are participating. Demographics are determined using many features, including name, location, and self-disclosed description. Privacy is preserved using k-anonymity and differential privacy. Results are based on what people describe online — questions were not posed to the people in the sample.
About the representative sample:
- 67% of UK tenants are 45 and older.
- 52% identify as female.
