Renting in London: will rents go up or down in 2026 and where to move for affordable rentals

This is meant to be the year of the tenant in London. Finally, the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in May, protecting tenants from no-fault evictions and huge hikes in rents.

And yet leading estate agents and lobbying organisations are forecasting further rises in the capital this year of up to seven per cent as demand outstrips supply.