"The new system shouldn’t be seen as a threat, but as a framework for fairness and for those already doing things well, there’s very little to change."
- Allison Thompson, national letting managing director at LRG
Leaders Roman Group (LRG) has found 53% of tenants are ‘likely’ to challenge rent increases under the incoming Renters’ Rights Bill – 28% of those said they are ‘very likely’ to do so.
However, LRG believes these figures shouldn’t be read as a sign of rising conflict, but as evidence that tenants are aware of their rights and expect transparency. The relatively low appetite amongst nearly half of tenants to pursue a challenge shows that well-managed tenancies are already commonplace across the majority of the market.
Referring to data published by Generation Rent, LRG used the recent period of temporary rent controls in Scotland as an example of what can happen when safeguards aren’t in place. 899 applications were submitted between April 2024 and March 2025 – this is a significant increase from the 106 cases submitted in the previous period, where open market rents were the benchmark.
Although these restrictions have been lifted, the Scottish Government has announced plans for long-term rent control legislation by 2027, with a potential link between rent increases and inflation, plus 1%.
LRG found the majority of landlords already set rents in line with the market, with 62% recognising the potential benefits of a more transparent system. Meanwhile, 75% of tenants said that limiting increases and allowing appeals will improve affordability.
“The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant change for the private rental sector, but it’s important to recognise that not all tenants will be looking to challenge rent increases. Many already trust the process, especially where landlords have shown a track record of fair, market-aligned reviews. Our data reflects that,” explained Allison Thompson, national letting managing director at LRG (pictured).
She said: “At the same time, we must be realistic. Reforms like this only work if they’re clear and consistent. Without the right safeguards, we risk seeing the same issues that have emerged in Scotland: growing backlogs, rising disputes, and reduced supply.
“That’s why we believe it’s essential that the House of Lords’ proposed amendment, linking rent increases to recognised indices, is included in the final legislation. This would provide much-needed clarity and reassurance for landlords and tenants alike.
“With professional advice, good communication, and strong pricing discipline, landlords can remain fully in control of their tenancies. The new system shouldn’t be seen as a threat, but as a framework for fairness and for those already doing things well, there’s very little to change,” Allison concluded.
