RENTER groups urged the government today to act for rental affordability as official data revealed that most landlords hiked rates on new tenancy agreements this year.

A survey by the government found that 58 per cent of landlords increased the rent the last time they let to new tenants, with 35 per cent increasing it by 15 per cent or more.

The survey also showed that the proportion of landlords increasing rent on existing tenants when renewing contracts had doubled since 2021 to reach 52 per cent.

Renters’ Reform Coalition’s Lucy Tiller said: “For many landlords it seems the sky’s the limit when putting up rent.

“These unaffordable rent hikes have real consequences for society. Every week they are forcing families out of their homes and communities.

“Everybody needs a secure home, but eye-watering rents put this out of reach for too many.”

Ms Tiller called on the government to strengthen the Renters’ Rights Bill to limit how much rent can be increased within tenancies to the lowest of either inflation or wage growth.

“This would help millions of renters stay in their homes,” she said.

“And as the Bill won’t address the high cost of renting overall, the government should commit to a rental affordability commission to explore ways to get a grip on soaring rents.”

Generation Rent chief executive Ben Twomey said: “Everyone needs a safe, secure and affordable home. It’s the foundation of our lives.

“Government plans to end ‘no fault’ Section 21 evictions through the Renters Rights Bill are extremely welcome, but there are very few measures in the Bill to prevent landlords using rent hikes as an eviction in all but name.

“These statistics show that government must do more to slam the brakes on soaring rents and give tenants the breathing space we need.”

The survey also found that 38 per cent of landlords are unwilling to let to those receiving benefits.

And 26 per cent of landlords said they identified damp or mould in at least one of their properties, with a further 18 per cent saying that tenants complained about such issues.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said:“We have inherited the worst housing crisis in living memory, with rent levels unaffordable for far too many tenants. We are taking action through our Renters’ Rights Bill which will empower tenants to tackle unreasonable rent hikes and ban unfair bidding wars.

“As well as limiting rent increases to once per year, the Bill will also enable tenants to challenge above market rent increases. And we are reforming the Tribunal system to ensure renters feel confident enforcing their rights.”