News from 1 June 2026
June reporting described a shortage of available rental homes alongside pressure on tenants’ budgets. Strong demand and affordability can exist together: interest in a property does not necessarily mean applicants can afford a higher rent.
Affordability still sets the ceiling
Supply pressure can push asking rents higher, but affordability still limits what tenants can sustain. That is especially relevant where landlords are facing higher mortgage, insurance, service charge, maintenance or compliance costs. Passing every cost into the rent may not be realistic in every local market.
A practical approach is to separate three questions. First, what are comparable homes actually achieving locally? Second, what condition and energy performance does this property offer compared with nearby alternatives? Third, what would a rent increase mean for the existing tenant’s ability to remain in the home?
That does not mean landlords should ignore market rent. It means rent-setting should be documented and evidence-led. Where an agent is advising on rent, landlords should ask for the comparable evidence behind the recommendation and keep a note of the reasoning. That can be useful if a rent decision is later queried.
