A third (32%) of landlords have told a survey that they are planning to ‘leave rents as they are.’

The Deposit Protection Service’s regular survey of over 1,000 landlords and tenants took place within days of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on May 1 this year – but results have only been released this week.

Some 19% of landlord respondents said they automatically increase rents every year.

A DPS spokesperson says: “Landlord respondents have been in ‘wait and see’ mode during the lead up to the enforcement date of the Renters Rights Act.

“These latest data suggest that most landlord respondents will be either keeping or raising rents in the future.

“Landlords experiencing mortgage and other costs are looking to make use of the rent raising mechanisms specified by the Act.”

The report, which also covers landlords’ intentions for their properties as well as tenants’ experiences of renting, can be found at The Private Rented Sector Review