Renting homes in England is becoming increasing unaffordable, according to official figures that show tenants pay an average of 36.3% of their income on rent, a figure that rises to 41.6% in London.
People earning a median salary spent 36.3% of their income on an average-priced rented home in England in 2024, up from 34.2% in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Tom Darling, the director at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said: “These figures show that the biggest issue facing renters – the cost of their rent – isn’t going away any time soon.
“Though the government’s renters’ rights bill will introduce crucial improvements to security and standards, it won’t put a lid on the affordability crisis. While millions are forced to spend less on essentials like groceries to afford their rent, the government will have a hard time making the case at the next election that they’ve delivered for renters.”
Darling added: “The government should establish a national rental affordability commission to look at ways to bring rents down relative to incomes – including investigating different types of rent regulation.”
