Rental prices continue to increase ahead of tenant fee ban – Comments from industry

March 21, 2019
  • Private rental prices paid by tenants in the UK rose by 1.1% in the 12 months to February 2019, up from 1.0% in January 2019.
  • In England and Wales, private rental prices grew by 1.1%, while in Scotland private rental prices increased by 0.7% in the 12 months to February 2019.
  • London private rental prices rose by 0.2% in the 12 months to February 2019, up from 0.1% in January 2019.

Co-founder of ideal flatmate, Tom Gatzen, commented:

“Broadly speaking, the annual rate of rental growth across the UK remains at its most palatable for the last three years, however these consistent uplifts, regardless of how marginal, continue to put pressure on the already strained cost of living for tenants across the nation.

Rents remain higher than they were this time last year and so far in 2019, we’ve seen an uplift in the rate of growth which will no doubt continue as we approach the impending ban on tenant fees. As a result, the rental sector continues to strain under the overwhelming demand as many remain unable to make the financial leap to homeownership.

So far a consistent attack on the buy-to-let sector has only exacerbated the issue and with the Government now turning their focus on letting agents, it’s a certainty that we will see lost revenue passed onto tenants under various guises with rents continuing to increase as a result.”

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

Letting Agent Talk

Advice for London landlords and tenants ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation

Phase one of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) comes into force on 1 May 2026, and with it brings about the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector in a generation. While the Act will see new responsibilities introduced, it will also offer an opportunity for landlords to strengthen their practices with a clear…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Budget-friendly ways to boost your chances of a successful spring house sale

With many households feeling the pressure of changing global economic conditions, tighter finances, and the high costs associated with moving, such as Stamp Duty, legal fees and removals, selling a home can currently feel like challenge. At the same time, spring traditionally brings a surge in buyer activity. Longer days and better weather tend to encourage more viewings,…
Read More →
Letting Agent Talk

Expert Reacts To Renters’ Rights Act Ahead of Changes This Week

The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force this week (1st May), introducing major reforms to tenancy structures, eviction rules, and tenant protections across England. The changes will reshape how landlords manage properties and how tenants experience private renting, with significant implications for student private rentals and the wider rental market. Ahead of implementation, Owen Dixon,…
Read More →
Breaking News

52% of buyers are cash purchasers – and they’re ready to move

New research from LRG reveals that sellers entering the spring market are meeting an unusually large pool of cash-ready buyers, many of whom aren’t constrained by affordability, but by a lack of suitable homes. According to LRG’s Spring 2026 Sales Report, based on a survey of 307 buyers and sellers across England and Wales, more than…
Read More →
for sale sign london
Breaking News

Landlords sell up as Renters’ Rights prove final straw

Leading Kent and London law firm Thackray Williams have had a wave of last-minute instructions from landlords looking to sell their portfolios ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force this Friday. The litigation team has been instructed to seek possession by landlords wishing to sell their entire buy-to-let portfolios, as well as last-minute…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 27/4/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. Will AI change the way we search on property portals? Thought Leadership by Andrew Stanton, CEO Proptech-PR Rightmove: the UK’s most profitable proptech Rightmove is widely seen as the UK’s most profitable proptech, generating £300m+ annually with operating margins around 70%. Even with slight recent…
Read More →