Survey finds 48% of landlords raised rents, many earning £100,000 or more
A Tenancy Deposit Scheme Charitable Foundation survey found that 48 per cent of private landlords increased rents at least once in the past year. Among those landlords, 55 per cent had annual income of £100,000 or more, including property income. The findings come as new rules limit rent increases and give tenants stronger rights to challenge them.
The survey of more than 2,000 landlords found that 50 per cent kept rents unchanged, up from 39 per cent the previous year. Overall, 69 per cent reported pre-tax income above £50,000, compared with 51 per cent two years earlier; 31 per cent earned over £100,000. Landlords cited rising running and maintenance costs as common reasons for increases. Since 1 May 2026, rent can be raised only once a year, must not exceed market level, and tenants can refer proposed increases to a tribunal.
In short
- 48 per cent of landlords raised rents in the past year.
- Most who increased rents earned £100,000 or more.
- New rules cap increases and allow tenants to challenge them.
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The case for
Landlords may argue that rent increases help cover higher maintenance, repair and operating costs, and that keeping rents unchanged can become unsustainable as those costs rise. They may also see an annual increase capped at market level as a reasonable way to maintain a property’s viability while giving tenants predictable limits.
The case against
Tenants may argue that increases add to housing costs at a time when many households have limited room in their budgets, particularly when landlords report substantial incomes. Strong limits and access to a tribunal can help prevent increases that exceed market rents and give tenants a meaningful way to challenge proposals they consider unfair.
Explained simply
Private landlords are people or businesses that rent out homes they own. Rent helps cover costs such as repairs, maintenance and other expenses, while also providing income; tenants pay it to live in the property.
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme Charitable Foundation is a charity linked to a scheme that protects tenants’ rental deposits. Its survey asked more than 2,000 landlords about rents and income, including income from property.
Rules introduced on 1 May 2026 allow landlords to raise rent only once a year and cap increases at the market level. Tenants can challenge a proposed increase at a tribunal, which matters because rent affects both household costs and landlords’ income.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Almost half of landlords put up rent in last year – and most of those that did earned £100,000 or more”.