Generation Rent has once again demanded that the government stop rent rises in the private sector.

This time Ben Twomey, chief executive of the group, has made the call in response to official figures in the lettings market.

On a lengthy message he says: “Everyone needs a safe, secure and affordable home. It’s the foundation of our lives.

“But renters across the UK are facing soaring rents that our swallowing our earnings. 

“Price caps rightly exist for our energy and water bills but there is nothing to stop a landlord suddenly hiking the cost of someone’s homes. 

“Thankfully the government can and must act on this by introducing a cap on how much landlords can raise the rent, helping to slam the brakes on soaring rents.”

Twomey’s comments come in response to latest government figures showing a reduction in rental growth.

Average UK monthly private rents increased by 7.7%, to £1,332, in the 12 months to March.

This annual growth rate is down from 8.1% in the 12 months to February this year.

Average rents increased to £1,386 (7.8%) in England, £792 (8.9%) in Wales, and £1,001 (5.7%) in Scotland, in the 12 months to March 2025.

In England, private rents annual inflation was highest in the North East (9.4%) and lowest in Yorkshire and The Humber (4.6%), in the 12 months to March 2025. In Northern Ireland, average rents increased to £838 (8.2%) in the 12 months to January 2025.