Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
The Office for National Statistics published the Price Index of Private Rents for May 2026 on 21 May. The headline figure showed average monthly private rents in the UK rising by 3.5 percent in the 12 months to April 2026, reaching £1,381. Rents rose in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The North East saw the highest annual inflation at 6.5 percent; London the lowest at 2.0 percent. The wider Renters' Rights Act came into force in England on 1 May 2026.
- Average UK private rent: £1,381 a month (12 months to April 2026)
- Annual rent inflation: 3.5 percent (down from 4.0 percent at end-2025)
- Highest regional rise: North East 6.5 percent
- Lowest regional rise: London 2.0 percent
- Wales: £834 average; Scotland: £1,019; Northern Ireland: £877
- Renters' Rights Act in force in England: 1 May 2026
- Section 21 no-fault evictions banned; Section 13 process required for rent rises
What the ONS data shows
Annual rent inflation has been easing from a peak of around 9 percent in mid 2024, but rents are still moving upwards because supply remains constrained in many local markets. The latest figure of 3.5 percent is lower than the 5.0 percent recorded in the 12 months to January 2026 and the 4.0 percent recorded at the end of 2025. Northern Ireland's annual inflation rate has been falling steadily since the record 9.9 percent in April 2024.
What the Renters' Rights Act changes
The Act took effect in England on 1 May 2026. The main provisions: Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, which allowed landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason after a fixed term, has been abolished. Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are replaced by periodic tenancies, which a tenant can end with two months' notice. Landlords can still recover possession through Section 8 grounds, such as serious rent arrears or wanting to sell the property, with longer notice periods and stricter evidential requirements.
How rent increases now work
From 1 May 2026, landlords in the private rented sector in England must use the Section 13 Housing Act 1988 process to raise rent. Rent can usually be increased only once a year. Landlords must give at least two months' written notice. Tenants who believe an increase is unfair can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), which will assess what a similar property would let for on the open market. Pre-existing contractual rent-review clauses must comply with the new statutory framework.
House prices alongside rents
The same ONS bulletin showed average UK house prices unchanged at around £268,000 in the 12 months to March 2026, following a monthly drop ahead of changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax. House prices in England fell by 0.6 percent annually to £290,000. Wales saw prices rise 2.9 percent to £213,000, and Scotland grew 1.6 percent to £187,000. Nationwide's separate May 2026 index, published on 1 June, showed a 0.6 percent monthly decline.
What this means for tenants and landlords
For tenants, the combination of slower rent growth and stronger statutory protection eases pressure modestly, though affordability remains stretched in major cities. For landlords, the Renters' Rights Act has prompted some to sell up ahead of implementation, contributing to constrained supply that supports rents. Industry bodies report continued strong tenant demand for family-sized properties and homes near transport hubs.
FAQs
What is the average rent in the UK in 2026?
£1,381 a month in the 12 months to April 2026, according to ONS data published on 21 May 2026.
Can a landlord still evict me?
Yes, but only on specified grounds under Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988, such as serious rent arrears or intending to sell. Section 21 no-fault evictions are abolished in England from 1 May 2026.
How much notice does a landlord need to give for a rent increase?
At least two months' written notice, served via the Section 13 process. Increases can usually happen only once a year.
How do I challenge a rent increase?
By referring the Section 13 notice to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) before the new rent is due to take effect. The tribunal sets the rent at market level.
