A new Deposit Protection Service report shows that 51% of landlords raised rents over the past year — a slight drop from 53% the year before.

The DPS’s twice-yearly Private Rented Sector Review, based on responses from more than 1,000 landlords, reveals that only 17% plan to increase rents in the next six months, down four points from 21%.

But looking further ahead, 25% expect to raise rents within six to 18 months, up from 19%.

Meanwhile, 24% say they will keep rents at current levels, down from 25% in March 2025.

The DPS notes that the share of landlords opting for a rent freeze consistently sits between 20% and 25%.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “Our data show that rental values in England, Wales and Scotland are stable at the moment.

“Landlords are less inclined to raise rents in the short term because their mortgage and operating costs have themselves stabilised.”

“There has been an increase in the proportion of landlords looking to increase rents in the next 18 months.

“However, overall, the latest data suggest most landlords are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach ahead of the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act.”

The average deposit now stands at £1,195, an increase of £45 since September 2024.

According to the report, that uplift implies an average monthly rent of roughly £1,035 — a 3.9% jump in just a year.