RENTS in England have soared by an average of 9.3 per cent over the last year, reaching a record high, the latest official figures revealed today.

The figure for the 12 months to November was up from 8.8 per cent the previous month and higher than the previous record high of 9.1 per cent in March.

In London, the average annual inflation was higher, at 11.6 per cent, according to Office for National Statistics data.  

It comes as the latest wage statistics show an average increase of just 5.2 per cent, showing rent inflation continues to outpace wage growth — as it has since September 2023.

Renter groups have called on the government to commit to action on unaffordable rents.

The Renters’ Reform Coalition (RRC) urged the government to address the affordability crisis and protect renters against unfair rent hikes.

Research by RRC member Shelter has estimated that 60,000 renters were forced out of their homes by an unaffordable rent increase in the past year.

RRC public affairs manager Lucy Tiller said: “Everybody needs a secure home, but unaffordable rent hikes are forcing families out of their homes and communities and driving renters into destitution.

“The forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill is welcome, but in its current form it won’t address this escalating crisis — the government should strengthen it with a cap on rent increases within tenancies, to help tenants stay in their homes.

“And in the longer term we need a National Rental Affordability Commission, to explore ways to put the brakes on soaring rents for good.”

Campaigners have warned that soaring rent costs can lead to homelessness.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said today that her department’s “largest ever investment” of almost a billion pounds next year will help “break the cycle of spiralling homelessness” and is a turning point in government efforts.

The funding, from April, includes a more than £190 million rise in the homelessness prevention grant.

Millions have also been pledged towards tackling rough sleeping, providing warm beds and shelter for people at risk of, or already, rough sleeping.

Shelter said the “cash injection is vital to help councils support people facing homelessness” but repeated its call for a commitment to build 90,000 homes a year for 10 years, insisting “you cannot solve homelessness without homes.”