ONS figures released last month show that UK private rents rose 3.7% in the year to July 2026, reaching an average of £1,393 per month.
Same Derzi – property expert, landlord and co-founder of Landlord Resource – is hitting back at headlines branding landlords as ‘greedy’, stressing that landlords aren’t just putting prices up for profit:
He says: “Even though private rental rates have gone up, landlords won’t reap many benefits from this. The additional amount might not even touch the surface when trying to match factors such as increased mortgage costs, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and compliance costs, which are all more damaging than ever.
“Mortgage costs are certainly crippling landlords, based on a28.5% increase in monthly mortgage payments.
“Property maintenance is also stinging landlords, with repair and maintenance expenditure up nearly 20% in the UK to more than £9.5 billion per year!”
Landlords are also taking future unknown costs into consideration
“Under the new Renters Rights Act reforms, landlords have also been tasked with getting used to the abolition of Section 21 – meaning longer dispute cases with tenants can be expected – as well as new membership fees and significant repair costs to meet future homes standards.
“Landlords are having to plan for many unexpected costs come the end of the year, with the new PRS Database due to begin rollout in late 2026 – yet exact fees have not been confirmed.
“Landlords will also have to pay for membership of the new PRS Landlord Ombudsman, a mandatory scheme designed to resolve private tenant and landlord disputes.”
Why the demonisation of landlords must stop
“New Renters Rights Act policies are helping shift power away from landlords to tenants, and consequently, landlords are often left to look like the problem.
“While criticism and feedback are part and parcel of the job, these growing negative connotations could lead to more selling up, higher rents, or fewer people entering the sector.
@Keep attacking landlords, and you’ll lose them; of course, landlords acting inappropriately and exploiting tenants should be penalised, but good landlords who are responsible and fair shouldn’t be painted with the same brush.”
Rules for landlords looking to increase rental rates
“We urge landlords to study the changes in legislation carefully. Landlord Resource has compiled a guide landlords looking to increase rents and adhere to the legal process that must be followed, including the correct forms and schedules for rent increases.
“Written proof and confirmations are key, so that you can keep your tenants informed from start to finish.
“Landlords should share, in writing, a reminder of the current rent, the new rent, and how much it is increasing by, and give valid reasoning as to why they are deciding to increase it.
“You could highlight an increase in your outgoings that the tenant may be unaware of, potentially suggesting a phone call or meeting to keep it personable and show the tenant you are invested.
“Also, make sure the tenant knows the exact date the rent changes take effect from, and don’t make it a closed conversation; make them feel welcome to ask questions, as otherwise, tenants do have grounds to challenge such measures.”
