Rents rose by an average 18% in Brighton and Bristol last year, taking monthly rents to £1,078 and £904, respectively, figures from Homelet show.
The figures far outpaced the national 4.9% rise, which took the monthly average rent to £739. Cities outside of London recorded the largest increases for the first time in a number of years – as well as Brighton and Bristol, rents in Edinburgh and Newcastle also rose by more than the 8% increase reported for London.
Green party councillor David Gibson, who is also part of the Brighton Living Rent Campaign, is among those calling for rent controls and secure tenancies, saying he was shocked by the increase in private rents.
The Guardian, p. 21
