A new study suggests the announcement of the Renters’ Rights Bill may have triggered a surge in rent hikes across England. More than half of tenants (53%) have experienced a rent increase since September last year, when the bill was first introduced to Parliament. In comparison, just 38% saw a rise in the months before this in 2024, and only a third saw rent increases across all of 2023.

Once passed, the Renters’ Rights Bill will end no-fault evictions and allow tenants to challenge above-market rent rises. While it’s expected to come into effect in late 2025 or early 2026, it appears that some landlords have imposed rent increases before these rules become law.

The figures come from Go.Compare home insurance, which surveyed tenants on the rent rises they’ve experienced over recent years. Only one in five (19%) renters said their rent hasn’t increased since the start of 2022. The insurance comparison site is advising renters on what they can do if faced with a large increase or a no-fault eviction notice before the bill is passed.

In total, Go.Compare estimates that 2.5 million households have faced a rent increase since the bill was introduced to Parliament in September 2024.  It adds that average rents have increased by around 4% since, equal to approximately £58 per month. This means renters are collectively paying approximately £147 million more towards rent every month than before the bill was announced.

Tenants in smaller properties have been hit hardest by this, the insurance comparison site says. Rents for one-bedroom homes have risen by 4.8% since September 2024, the highest of any property size, equal to £52 per month. Larger homes have had the smallest proportional rises, with rent increasing by an average of 3.7% for properties with four bedrooms or more.

Similarly, flats and maisonettes have seen the steepest monthly rent hikes of any property type, rising by 4.7% on average, equal to around £62 more per month. Detached properties recorded the lowest increases at 3.6% (£54 more per month). This reaffirms that those in smaller homes are experiencing the largest rises, despite likely having fewer or no people to split the cost with.

Go.Compare also noted a slight uplift in ‘accelerated possession orders’ since September, which are issued to tenants who haven’t left by the date specified on their Section 21 notice.

Although the number of Section 21 notices issued has remained stable, the orders rose by 1% compared to the same period in the year prior, and repossessions by bailiffs increased by 10%. This indicates more tenants could be attempting to challenge no-fault evictions.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “These latest figures indicate that the Renters’ Rights Bill could have had an unwanted side effect on tenants, more of whom seem to be dealing with rent rises since the announcement. Renters should be aware that costs could increase ahead of the bill taking effect.

“If you do experience a rent rise, remember that your landlord must follow certain rules before doing so, like those outlined in your contract, and you can challenge the rise if these haven’t been adhered to. Similarly, a Section 21 notice can be appealed if not served correctly. Consider contacting Citizens Advice to explore your options if this happens to you.

“If you’re evicted, you’ll need to let your insurer know that your address has changed. It can also be worth comparing policies if your rent goes up to help alleviate the extra expenses from the rise, as you might find the same level of protection for a lower price.”

More details about dealing with rent increases and evictions can be found on Go.Compare’s website.