'Higher market rents' is the most common reason given by landlords for a rent hike, affecting 20% of private renters, according to new research by Generation Rent.

The group’s survey of 1,021 tenants at the beginning of the year reveals that 67% faced a rent rise in the past 12 months, up from 50% in late 2022. The size of rent rises has continued to increase over the past few years, with the biggest growth in the £21-£50 a month band.

Cost of living was also a major reason given by landlords as well as higher mortgage costs – both affecting 12% of renters. Although the dramatic rise in interest rates in 2022 was predicted to fuel rent rises, this appears to have affected only a small share of landlords, says Generation Rent, although it adds that just 42% claim mortgage costs in their tax returns.

Meanwhile, evictions dipped in 2024 with about one in six respondents facing an unwanted move in the previous year, down from one in five in summer 2023.

There was a drop in landlords using Section 21 or telling tenants to leave without a formal notice, with a rise in Section 8 (typically relating to rent arrears) and tenants moving out at the end of a fixed term.

The survey also found that while most tenants’ experience at the end of a tenancy was largely positive, one in four faced deposit deductions that they felt were unreasonable, or they didn’t get it back.

Of the 200 respondents who didn’t get a good initial outcome, the most common reason was renters not understanding their rights, at 25%. Generation Rent says another common theme was landlord behaviour that either prevented renters from using the dispute process, or discouraged them from doing so, such as threatening a larger deduction.