Almost a third (32%) of landlords plan to "leave rents as they are", according to tenancy deposit scheme The Deposit Protection Service (The DPS). Just 19% of landlord respondents said they automatically apply rent increases every year.
The DPS surveyed more than 1,000 landlords and tenants between 5 and 21 May, within days of the Renters' Rights Act coming into force on 1 May 2026. The findings appear in the latest edition of its Private Rented Sector Review, which also covers landlords' intentions for their properties and tenants' experiences of renting.
Landlords weigh rent increases under new rules
The Act changes how landlords can raise rents. They can increase a periodic assured tenant's rent only by serving a valid notice under Section 13 of the Housing Act 1988, and must give at least two months' notice. A rise cannot start until a year after the last formal increase took effect, and tenants can challenge the rent if they believe it sits above the market rate.
Some landlords do intend to raise rents. The DPS found 18% would increase rent within the next six months, while 35% would do so beyond that period but within 18 months.
"Landlord respondents have been in 'wait and see' mode during the lead-up to the enforcement date of the Renters' Rights Act," said Matt Trevett, managing director at The DPS. "These latest data suggest that most landlord respondents will be either keeping or raising rents in the future.
"Landlords experiencing mortgage and other costs are looking to make use of the rent-raising mechanisms specified by the Act."
