A drastic slowdown in UK private rent growth has been revealed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with average monthly payments increasing by just 3.3% in the year to June 2026, compared to 8.7% this time last year. The typical monthly rent now stands at £1,388.
The rate of growth remains steady across all UK nations: £1,446 in England, £843 in Wales, £1,012 in Scotland, and £877 in Northern Ireland. But the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warns that this slowdown is a cause for concern, given growing speculation about the introduction of rent controls.
NRLA chief policy officer Chris Norris pointed out that average monthly pay has actually grown by 4.3% over the same period, meaning earnings have outpaced rental inflation. “At a time when there's talk of rent controls, today’s figures show rents continue to slow significantly,” Norris said. “Meanwhile, average earnings are growing faster than rents.”
The NRLA is using this data to reinforce its opposition to rent controls, citing concerns raised by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner in October 2024 about their potential impact on housing supply. The association also referenced remarks made by Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, highlighting evidence from countries such as Sweden and Germany that suggests rent controls can harm tenants.
In a further blow to the idea of stronger rent stabilisation measures, a recent report by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee concluded it was “not currently convinced” that these would be proportionate due to their potential impact on affordable rental homes. The NRLA argues that such controls would ultimately leave tenants in a worse position and undermine efforts to address homelessness.
The association has been vocal about its opposition to rent controls, pointing out that they have led to unintended consequences in other countries. Norris added: “The annual rate of rental growth has fallen by almost two thirds since the current housing secretary warned that rent controls would hurt tenants.”