My Rent Is Increasing Again - What Are My Options?

If your rent has gone up again - or you’ve just received a renewal notice with another increase - you’re not alone. Across the UK, renters are facing some of the highest rent rises on record. For many, this creates real financial pressure and uncertainty about the future.

The good news: you do have options, and understanding them can help you stay in control and plan your next steps.

Why Rent Keeps Rising

Rents are rising due to several factors:

• High demand, low supply - There are fewer rental properties available, pushing prices up.
• Landlord costs increasing - Higher mortgage rates and maintenance costs often get passed on to tenants.
• Inflation - Everyday costs have risen, and housing hasn’t been an exception.
• Competition for good homes - Well-located or modern homes often attract premium rents.

While you can’t control the market, you can control how you respond.

Option 1: Negotiate With Your Landlord

Many renters don’t realise they can negotiate. If your landlord wants to keep a reliable tenant, they may be open to a conversation.

You can negotiate by:

• Presenting evidence of similar local rental prices
• Mentioning your on-time payment history
• Offering a longer tenancy agreement
• Asking to delay an increase for a few months

Sometimes landlords prefer stability over finding new tenants

Option 2: Check If the Rent Increase Is Legal

Rent increases must follow the rules depending on your tenancy type. For most ASTs (Assured Shorthold Tenancies):

• In fixed-term contracts: rent can’t be increased unless your contract says so
• In periodic tenancies: landlords must give appropriate written notice
• In all cases: increases must be “fair” and consistent with market value

If the increase seems unreasonable, you can challenge it through a First-tier Tribunal.

Option 3: Look for a More Affordable Rental

If your landlord won’t budge, exploring other rentals could save you money - even with moving costs. Consider:

• Expanding your search area
• Looking slightly outside city centres
• Considering older but well-maintained properties
• Sharing with a flatmate

Sometimes moving can reduce your costs immediately.

Option 4: Consider a Break Clause or Ending the Tenancy

If you’re in a fixed term and have a break clause, you may be able to end your tenancy early. If you’re periodic, you can give notice at any time (following the correct notice period).

This gives you the freedom to move on rather than accept a rent increase you can’t afford.

Option 5: Consider a Rent-to-Own Alternative

For many renters, constant rent increases can feel like a cycle with no end. If your rent keeps rising, and saving for a deposit feels impossible, private rent-to-own could offer a way out.

How Keyzy Helps Renters Facing Rent Increases

Keyzy gives renters a stabile path to renting with the option for homeownership:

• Fixed rent for 2 years - No rent increases at all.
• No deposit required - Move in without needing savings upfront.
• The option to buy (no obligation) - With a guaranteed future home price, know exactly what your home will cost in 2 years.
• 100% of your rent becomes your deposit if you buy - Your monthly payments finally benefit you, not your landlord.
• Flexible eligibility - You don’t need a perfect credit score or a long UK credit history.

Instead of facing yearly rent hikes, you could be building your future deposit while living in the home you plan to own. Find out more about how private rent-to-own works.

The Bottom Line

Rent increases are stressful - but they don’t have to leave you stuck. Whether you negotiate, move, seek support, or explore private rent-to-own, you have more options than you think. For renters who want stability and a way out of rising rents, Keyzy offers a practical route toward owning a home, turning two years of rent into a stepping stone to the property ladder.