More than half of tenants say they are likely to challenge rent increases under the incoming Renters' Rights Bill, according to new research by Leaders Romans Group (LRG).
The ‘Q1 2025 Lettings Report’ from LRG found that 28% described themselves as very likely to challenge a rent increase.
The findings come as the Renters' Rights Bill progresses through Parliament, which is set to introduce reforms allowing tenants to appeal above-market rent rises through a new tribunal process.
LRG said the figures shouldn’t be read as a sign of rising conflict, but as evidence that tenants were aware of their rights and expected transparency.
According to the group, the number of rent rise appeals increased sharply in Scotland during a period of temporary rent controls.
Campaign group Generation Rent stated that 899 applications were submitted between April 2024 and March 2025 — compared to just 106 cases in the 12 months to September 2022 when open market rents were the benchmark.
The Ministry of Justice reported a total of 702,000 open tribunal cases by the end of 2024, with housing applications one of the fastest-growing categories.
Despite this, LRG argued that it’s research highlighted confidence among proactive and professional landlords who already set rents in line with the market.
Some 62% of landlords surveyed saw potential benefits in a clearer, more transparent system.
Meanwhile, 75% of tenants said that limiting increases and allowing appeals would improve affordability.
Confidence in the new ombudsman remained mixed; just 4% of landlords and 15% of tenants said they were very confident it would resolve disputes fairly.
Allison Thompson, national lettings managing director at LRG (pictured above), commented: “The Renters’ Rights Bill represents a significant change for the PRS, 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.
“At the same time, we must be realistic. Reforms like this only work if they are 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.
“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.”
