Scotland recorded the largest monthly increase in average agreed rents, rising 4.95% to £1,123. Northern Ireland saw the second biggest rise, with rents increasing 3.99% to £887, up from £853 in the previous month.
By contrast, average agreed monthly rents in London fell 1.5% between February 2026 and March 2026, dropping from £2,226 to £2,193. In the West Midlands, rents were unchanged month on month.
The data also showed a mixed picture on affordability. In Wales, the average household salary needed to rent a property increased from £29,970 to £31,320 year on year. Northern Ireland moved in the opposite direction, with the average household income required falling from £28,290 to £26,610, a 5.94% decrease.
ARLA Propertymark said the figures highlight how the private rented sector continues to perform differently across the UK, with some areas seeing rent movements more closely aligned to inflation than others. The report said affordability will remain a key issue for the rest of 2026, with inflationary pressure and possible rises in energy costs among the factors likely to affect households in the months ahead.
Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark, said: "The rental market remains dynamic across many regions when viewed on a month-by-month basis. Price fluctuations are driven by a range of factors, including the volume and type of properties available at any given time, as well as local employment opportunities and their influence on demand. Together, these elements shape how consumers assess their options.
"Overall, rental inflation has been slowing since late 2024 on a year-on-year basis. However, looking ahead, it is important to consider ongoing global uncertainty and the potential impact this may have on the UK economy in the short to medium term, particularly in relation to household affordability.
"At present, it is still too early to determine the future direction of the rental market. A wide range of variables remain in play, including the full impact of recent legislative changes, which has yet to be realised, alongside broader economic pressures that have not yet fully filtered down to consumers."
