Average private rents across the UK rose by 3.3% in the year to June 2026, according to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, prompting renewed warnings from landlords against the introduction of rent controls.
Average UK private rents reached £1,388 per month in the 12 months to June. The 3.3% annual growth rate remained unchanged from May, with average rents continuing to increase across every UK nation, reaching £1,446 in England, £843 in Wales, £1,012 in Scotland and £877 in Northern Ireland.
However, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) pointed out that the annual increase marks a slowdown from October 2024, when rents were rising by 8.7%.
It also highlighted that the ONS data showed average monthly pay increased by 4.3% in the 12 months to June, meaning earnings outpaced rental growth.
Chris Norris, the NRLA’s chief policy officer, said: “At a time when there is growing speculation about the introduction of rent controls, today’s figures show that rent increases continue to slow significantly.
“At the same time, average earnings continue to grow faster than rents.”
The NRLA also highlighted previous comments by housing secretary Angela Rayner, who said in October 2024 that rent controls would restrict housing supply, and housing minister Matthew Pennycook, who told MPs earlier this year that evidence from countries including Sweden and Germany, as well as Scotland, suggested rent controls could have detrimental effects on tenants.
“The annual rate of rental growth has fallen by almost two thirds since the current housing secretary warned that rent controls would hurt tenants,” said Norris.
The association also pointed to a recent report by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee, which concluded it was “not currently convinced” that stronger rent stabilisation measures would be proportionate because of the potential impact on the supply of affordable rental homes.
Norris added: “As the reappointed housing minister has recognised, the evidence from the UK and overseas is clear: rent controls reduce the supply of homes to rent and ultimately leave tenants worse off. It would further undermine the government’s welcome mission to end rough sleeping as access to the sector became harder for those who most need it.”
