Rising Costs Prompt Relocation Considerations Among Renters

A recent poll conducted by CIA Landlords, surveying 2,000 renters, found that 40% of those thinking about moving this year are likely to relocate to more affordable areas due to rising rents. Of these, 12% said they were very likely to move, while 28% described themselves as somewhat likely to do so.

This trend reflects growing affordability pressures within the private rented sector (PRS) and serves as a warning sign for landlords and agents managing rental properties across the UK.

Implications for the Private Rented Sector

Jackie Compton, sales director at CIA Landlords, commented on the findings: “When four in 10 renters are looking at moving areas because of costs, that’s a warning sign for the whole sector.” She emphasised that renters seek stability and confidence that their homes will be maintained and managed fairly.

Compton added, “Better communication, transparent rent-setting and proactive maintenance aren’t ‘nice to haves’; they’re essential if we want long-term tenancies that work for everyone.” This highlights the critical role landlords and letting agents play in tenant retention amid rising rental costs.

Expectations of Rent Increases and Tenant Responses

The survey also revealed that nearly half of all respondents (47%) expect renting to become more expensive in 2026. For many tenants, moving to a cheaper area is not a lifestyle choice but a necessity, often involving relocation further from jobs, family, and support networks.

More than half of tenants (55%) stated that an unexpected or significant rent increase would be a deal-breaker, while 51% said they would consider leaving if landlords or agents were slow to resolve serious issues such as damp or heating faults.

Positive Tenant-Landlord Relationships Despite Financial Strain

Despite affordability concerns, the research shows that two-thirds of renters currently feel favourable towards their landlord or letting agent. Furthermore, 81% said they would be likely to remain in a property for five years or more if it met their priorities.

This suggests that tenants are open to longer tenancies when conditions such as fair rent levels, good maintenance, and clear communication are met.

Key Factors Tenants Value in Landlord Relationships

When asked what matters most in their relationships with landlords and agents, tenants highlighted practical service aspects. Speed of response to repairs was the top priority at 35%, closely followed by the quality of repairs and maintenance at 34%.

Respect for privacy and reasonable notice before visits was important to 31% of respondents, while 30% valued transparency regarding rent rises. Clear communication and written agreements were also significant, cited by 28% of tenants.

These findings underline the importance for landlords and agents to maintain high standards of service and communication to foster tenant satisfaction and reduce turnover.

What This Means for UK Landlords and Letting Agents

Rising rents are increasingly pushing tenants to consider relocating to more affordable areas, which could lead to higher turnover and void periods for landlords. To mitigate this risk, landlords should prioritise transparent rent-setting practices, proactive maintenance, and prompt communication.

Building positive tenant relationships through responsiveness and respect can encourage longer tenancies, helping landlords maintain stable rental incomes despite market pressures.

Suggested internal link anchors

• rising rents
• tenant retention
• private rented sector
• rent increases
• tenant-landlord relationships
• property maintenance
• letting agents
• tenant satisfaction
• long-term tenancies
• rent affordability
• communication with tenants
• tenant relocation

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/