In competitive rental markets, some landlords and letting agents encouraged prospective tenants to offer above the asking rent to secure a property. This turned renting into an auction, pricing out tenants who could only afford the advertised rent and driving up costs across the market.
Since May 1st, 2026, rental bidding is banned under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Landlords and letting agents must advertise a specific asking rent and can't ask for, encourage, or accept offers above that figure. The advertised rent is the maximum they can charge.
If a landlord or agent asks you to offer more than the advertised rent, or tells you that other applicants have offered more, refuse and report it. This is a breach of the Renters' Rights Act and can result in a civil penalty.
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