Renting in the UK can sometimes feel like a balancing act. Tenants want a safe, affordable home, while landlords need to cover costs and keep their properties in good shape. With new rules on the way and a competitive market, it’s worth knowing what’s changing and how both sides can work together.
Rent Rises – Finding a Fair Middle Ground
Rents have been climbing in many parts of the country, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. For tenants, this can be worrying. For landlords, rising costs (like mortgages and maintenance) sometimes mean rent increases are unavoidable.
In the year to April 2025, average UK private rents were up by 7.4%, at around £1,335/month. Growth varied regionally: 9.4% in the North East, 4.0% in Yorkshire & Humber, 7.5% in England overall, 8.7% in Wales, and 5.1% in Scotland
Tenants: Before agreeing to a new rent, check what similar homes in your area are going for so you can have an informed conversation but with a general shortage of rental properties you may find rents continue to increase.
Landlords: Be transparent about why rent is going up – many tenants appreciate clear communication and fair reasoning.
Changes are coming
The government’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill aims to give more security to tenants while still allowing landlords to manage their properties effectively. The key points likely to come into play include:
Ending “no fault” evictions: Landlords will still be able to regain their properties, but they’ll need to give a valid reason.
Tighter rules on rent increases: This will prevent sharp hikes, but landlords will still be able to raise rents fairly in line with market rates.
Better property standards: Homes will need to meet higher standards – a win for tenants, and a chance for landlords to protect their investment.
These changes will affect how both parties approach renting, so staying up to date is key.
Repairs – Responsibilities on Both Sides
Repairs are a common sticking point. Landlords are legally required to keep the property safe and in good repair, and new laws (like Awaab’s Law for social housing) will make this even stricter in some cases. But tenants also have a responsibility to report problems quickly and to also look after the property. The Tenancy Agreement usually includes any maintenance you may need to carry out - such as maintaining the garden or things to avoid, such as drying wet clothes on a radiator.
Tenants: Report issues as soon as they come up and avoid making problems worse.
Landlords: Respond promptly to repair requests to keep tenants happy and protect your property.
Energy Bills – Shared Benefits
High energy bills affect tenants directly, but energy-efficient upgrades also benefit landlords by making their properties more attractive. If your tenancy allows it, tenants can shop around for cheaper tariffs. The recent communication on the Energy Price Cap gives you more information including how you could save money.
Summary
Renting works best when both sides understand each other’s needs. Tenants want stability and a safe home, while landlords need to protect their investment. Keeping communication open, knowing the rules and mutual respect can go a long way. If that fails then legislation is in place to help find a solution for both sides.
CreditLadder can help you improve your credit score
CreditLadder can improve your credit position by reporting your rent payments. CreditLadder is the first way to improve your credit score and position across all three of the main Credit Reference Agencies in the UK, namely Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Building up a high credit score has a lot of benefits, including helping you access finance at better rates - this can also help save you money. CreditLadder also runs a free mortgage application service in partnership with Tembo which will tell you how much you could borrow.
Remember the content provided in this article is for information purposes only and should not be considered as advice.
