More than half of tenants in England (53%) have seen rent increases since the Renters’ Rights Bill was announced, according to new research by comparison website Go.Compare.

The report suggests that around 2.5 million households have faced higher rents since the Bill was introduced in September 2024. Average rents are said to have risen by 4% (£58 per month), meaning tenants collectively pay an additional £147 million every month compared with before the Bill’s announcement.

Go.Compare warns costs could rise further as the legislation enters its final stages.

Who’s hardest hit?

• One-bedroom homes saw the steepest increases, up 4.8% (£52/month).

• Flats and maisonettes rose by 4.7% (£62/month).

• Four-bedroom-plus properties had the smallest proportional rise, at 3.7% (£54/month).

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, commented: “These figures suggest the Renters’ Rights Bill may have had an unwanted side effect on tenants. More renters are dealing with rent rises since the announcement, and costs could increase further ahead of the Bill taking effect.”

The research also notes a slight rise in accelerated possession orders since September, where tenants fail to vacate by the date in their Section 21 notice.