Renters rights in the UK: What you need to know

More renters are battling rising costs and bad conditions, but the Renters’ Right Act could change things for the better. Want the lowdown? Keep reading. 

What's the average cost of rent in the UK?

In the UK, the average cost of rent is now £839* a month. That’s over 2,300 Freddo bars, if we’re using the classic metric.

But for lots of people that figure is even higher. And in fact, 1 in 5 renters say they pay over a grand a month for their accommodation.

It’s true that location plays a big part in how much you’ll pay for rent. Things like area demographics, access to amenities, and property conditions all play a big part.

But, still, high rent prices are a nationwide problem. For the average Brit, it means that 39% of their take-home pay goes into their landlord’s pocket. That’s equivalent to 2 days of work a week.

* Based on Confused.com data from February to March 2026

Are rent prices going up in the UK?

Yes, the cost of rent is on the rise.

According to Confused.com data, almost half of renters have seen a hike in prices over the last 12 months.

And national statistics tell the same story. In some parts of the UK, the average cost of rent has increased by a whopping 5.5% over the course of just one year**.

**Based on GOV.UK data from October 2025 to December 2026

How rising rent is affecting your finances

In short, higher rent prices means less disposable income for the majority of renters.

For lots of people it’s a serious issue, with 77% of renters saying the costs are affecting their personal finances.

With rent costs taking up a bigger slice of the pie, renters are finding it increasingly hard to save. People are having to cut back on personal spending and, in some cases, essentials such as groceries.

What is the Renters’ Rights Act and what does it mean for you?

The Renters’ Rights Act is a piece of legislation setting out new rules that aim to protect tenants who privately rent.

It comes into effect from 1 May 2026. And, don’t worry, it’ll apply to your tenancy immediately - so there's no need to go chasing your landlord.

Want to know the crux of it? Here are some of the main changes:

• Change to fixed term - Having a set end date for a tenancy is no longer going to fly. Instead, tenancy agreements will automatically become rolling.
  
  
• Refusing potential tenants - Landlords won’t be able to put a blanket ban on certain groups of people. Saying ‘no smokers’ or ‘no students’ will be off limits.
  
  
• Rent increases - If your landlord wants to put up the price of your rent, they have to follow a certain process. They’ll only be able to change it once a year, and they can’t raise it above market rate. And, as a tenant, you’ll be entitled to at least 2 months’ notice.
  
  
• Evicting without reason - Getting kicked out of your flat because your landlord feels like it? Not any more! From May, it’s becoming harder to evict tenants without reason. But it can still be done on certain grounds - like if you don’t pay your rent on time.

There are also changes being made around keeping pets. So, if you’re a tenant with a four-legged friend, securing a place could become easier.

What is the Renters’ What problems are renters facing in their homes?

As it stands, paying more for rent doesn't guarantee good conditions. Despite the high prices, tenants are still facing issues with their privately rented property.

Problems such as mould, condensation, damp and water issues are among the most common. And, understandably, over a third of people want improved conditions.

As a tenant, you might be responsible for low-key maintenance - think cleaning or repairing any damage that you caused. But structural repairs and keeping the property habitable are the legal responsibilities of the landlord.

Are your belongings covered when you rent?

No, your belongings are not automatically covered when you rent.

It’s your landlord’s job to insure the building itself, but that doesn’t cover any of your stuff that’s inside the property. It’s on you to protect what’s yours.

Just bought a new TV for your bedroom? Or think your cookware collection is in pretty good shape? It might be worth looking into contents insurance.

Do I need contents insurance if I’m renting?

Having contents insurance isn’t a legal requirement. It’s totally optional, whether you’re a homeowner or living in a rented property.

But having the right policy can give you peace of mind. Without it, you won’t get any compensation if your stuff gets stolen or damaged because of a fire or flooding.

If you rent, getting contents insurance is simple. All you need to do is calculate the value of your belongings using our online tool. Then you can choose what level of cover you need.

In most cases, you’ll be able to choose between a new-for-old policy or a wear-and-tear policy.

Basically, it depends whether you want your insurer to compensate you for your belongings in their current condition. Or whether you want to be covered for the full replacement cost.

Remember: High-value items typically need to be listed separately. So, if you’ve got fancy tech and expensive jewellery in your gaff, it’s worth double-checking your policy limits.

Tips to protect yourself as a renter

It might be rocky times for renters, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are 5 of our top tips:

1. Check your documents: Before you sign your tenancy agreement, have a thorough read through. Make sure there are no unlawful clauses or hidden fees. And, if possible, get a second pair of eyes to do the same.
   
   
2. Keep records: No, not the vinyl type. We’re talking about proof of the property’s condition. It’s a good idea to take photos and document any pre-existing flaws on move-in day. That way, you won’t be charged for damage you didn’t cause.
   
   
3. Verify your landlord: Sometimes this can be a little tricky to do. But you can check a property’s ownership status for a small fee via the HM Land Registry. Opting for an in-person viewing, rather than an online one, can also put your mind at rest.
   
   
4. Protect your deposit: By law, landlords are required to use a government-approved deposit protection scheme. You should receive confirmation of this within 30 days. If not, it’s always worth reaching out to your landlord to check.
   
   
5. Know your rights: Reading up on your rights is never a bad idea. Know the rules around when a landlord can enter your home, where you stand if you’re threatened with eviction, and what safety standards a property has to meet.