53% of Tenants likely to challenge rent increases, but fair landlords have little to fear, says LRG report
More than half of tenants say they are likely to challenge rent increases under the incoming Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB), according to new research by LRG (Leaders Romans Group). However, the figures also show that nearly half of the tenants surveyed would not look to challenge a rent increase, a reflection, LRG says, of the fair pricing approach already adopted by many professional landlords.
The Q1 2025 Lettings Report from LRG found that 53% of tenants would likely contest a rent rise, with 28% describing themselves as very likely to do so. The findings come as the Renters’ Rights Bill progresses through Parliament, introducing reforms allowing tenants to appeal above-market rent increases through a new tribunal process.
LRG says the figures shouldn’t be read as a sign of rising conflict, but as evidence that tenants are aware of their rights and expect transparency, something many landlords already offer. In fact, the relatively low appetite among nearly half of tenants to pursue a challenge shows that well-managed tenancies are already the norm across much of the market.
Recent experience in Scotland has shown what can happen when safeguards aren’t in place. During a period of temporary rent controls, the number of rent rise appeals increased sharply. According to Generation Rent, 899 applications were submitted between April 2024 and March 2025 — a sharp rise compared to just 106 cases in the previous period where open market rents were the benchmark. Although those restrictions have now been lifted, the Scottish Government has announced plans for long-term rent control legislation by 2027, potentially linking rent increases to inflation plus 1%.
Tribunal pressure has also been growing more widely. Across England, rent-related cases rose from 483 to 921 between 2019 and 2023, an increase of almost 90%. The Ministry of Justice has reported a total of 702,000 open tribunal cases by the end of 2024, with housing applications one of the fastest-growing categories. In Scotland, Housing and Property Chamber cases rose from 2,760 in 2021–22 to 4,271 in 2023–24, prompting calls for more resources to manage the caseload.
Despite this, LRG’s research highlights real confidence among landlords who take a proactive and professional approach. The majority already set rents in line with the market, and 62% of landlords surveyed see potential benefits in a clearer, more transparent system. Meanwhile, 75% of tenants say that limiting increases and allowing appeals will improve affordability.
Confidence in the new ombudsman remains mixed. Just 4% of landlords and 15% of tenants say they are very confident it will resolve disputes fairly, underlining the need for strong guidance and consistency as the system beds in.
The backdrop to these reforms is a rental market facing sustained affordability pressures. Across England, average rents have risen by 5.5% in the past year, with particularly strong growth in the North and South West. LRG regional directors report that while tenant demand remains high, affordability concerns are becoming a growing factor, reinforcing the need for fair, evidence-based pricing that can stand up to scrutiny.
Allison Thompson, National Lettings Managing Director at LRG, commented, “The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant change for the private rented sector, but it’s important to recognise that not all tenants will be looking to challenge rent increases. Many already trust the process, especially where landlords have shown a track record of fair, market-aligned reviews. Our data reflects that.
“At the same time, we must be realistic. Reforms like this only work if they are clear and consistent. Without the right safeguards, we risk seeing the same issues that have emerged in Scotland: growing backlogs, rising disputes, and reduced supply. That’s why we believe it’s essential that the House of Lords’ proposed amendment, linking rent increases to recognised indices, is included in the final legislation. This would provide much-needed clarity and reassurance for landlords and tenants alike.
“With professional advice, good communication, and strong pricing discipline, landlords can remain fully in control of their tenancies. The new system shouldn’t be seen as a threat, but as a framework for fairness and for those already doing things well, there’s very little to change.”
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