Rents across Britain have surged by as much as 17.4% in some areas since the Labour Government adopted the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill according to Benham and Reeves.

Their analysis of the latest rental figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) from September 2024 to April 2025 found that the average rent across Britain has risen by 3.9%.

Newport in Wales saw the sharpest rise, with the average monthly rent rising from £782 to £918, a 17.4% increase in the seven-month period. 

Marc von Grundherr, Director of Benham and Reeves, said: “Landlords have faced a relentless wave of legislation in recent years, and for many, the Renters’ Rights Bill is seen as a step too far. While tenant protections are important, the Bill has introduced more uncertainty into an already pressured market — and that’s prompted some landlords to sell up entirely.” 

“Although the Bill includes provisions to keep rent increases in line with market values, those same market values are now rising sharply due to restricted supply and surging demand.

“So, while rent hikes may be capped procedurally, the real-world outcome is that tenants are still facing considerable increases — with fewer rental properties available and more people competing for them.”

The other locations in the top five were Camden, London where rents increased by 12.7% (£2,516 to £2,836), followed by Broxbourne in the East of England at 12.2%, Slough in the South East at 11.4%, and Gloucester in the South West at 9%.