Rents across Britain have surged by nearly £100 a month over the past year, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In the 12 months leading up to February 2025, rents rose by 8.1 per cent, pushing the average monthly cost to £1,326. In England, the increase was even sharper, with rents up £96 since April 2024—an 8.3 per cent rise.

Meanwhile, average wages grew by only 5.9 per cent, marking the 18th straight month that rent inflation has outpaced income growth.

Tenant groups have slammed the government’s decision to freeze housing benefits, warning that the growing gap between rent and wages is forcing people out of their homes.

“These unaffordable rent increases are driving families from their communities,” said Tom Darling, director of the Renters Reform Coalition. “We’re deeply disappointed the government has frozen housing benefit. Every year, landlords are taking more than wages or benefits can keep up with.”

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, echoed the concerns. “Rents have outpaced wages for years. Now, they’re rising more slowly—not because things are better, but because people simply can’t afford to pay more.”

He added: “There’s nothing left for the single parent facing rising bills, or the pensioner stuck in a cold, damp flat. For 2.2 million private renter households with no savings, time has run out. The government must act now to stop soaring rents.”

The rent data was published alongside a separate ONS report showing consumer price index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8 per cent in February, down from 3 per cent in January and lower than expected.

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), called on the Bank of England to cut interest rates in response.

“Lower rates would ease the pressure on households, boost business confidence, and reduce government borrowing,” he said. “It’s time to put more money in people’s pockets and help revive our high streets.”