What is a fair rent increase percentage in the UK?

There is no legally prescribed percentage for a fair rent increase in England. The test under the Renters' Rights Act is whether the proposed rent reflects the open market rent for comparable properties in the area. As a practical guide, ONS data showed private rents rising at around 7–9% annually in the year to early 2026, though this varied significantly by region, higher in London and the South East, more moderate in parts of the North. CPI inflation in early 2026 was approximately 2–3%. Landlords whose rents are significantly below market may justify a larger catch-up increase. Landlords who raised rent recently should keep increases modest. The best evidence of a fair increase is two or three recently let comparable properties nearby. Increases above 10% carry a higher risk of a First-tier Tribunal referral.