For many tenants, April can feel like a slightly awkward month. Winter is behind you, summer is not quite here, and there is often a growing sense that decisions cannot be put off forever. Should you renew and stay put? Should you start looking now? Or would waiting a little longer make more sense? In the current rental market, those are sensible questions, because even though conditions are calmer than the peak pressure many tenants experienced, affordability is still a major issue.
The latest ONS figures show average UK private rents increased by 3.5% in the 12 months to January 2026, reaching £1,367 per month. In England, the average was £1,423, while annual growth rates varied across different nations and regions. The pace has cooled from 4.0% in December 2025, which is encouraging, but rents are still moving upwards rather than downwards. For tenants, that means even a more stable market still requires planning.
That is why April is such a useful month to review your position. If your tenancy renewal is approaching, this is the time to look closely at your budget and the wider cost of moving. Rent is only one part of the decision. A move may also involve deposits, removals, time off work, travel changes, storage costs and the simple disruption of starting again in a new area. Sometimes renewing is the right decision. Sometimes moving gives you better value or more suitable space. The important thing is to weigh up the full picture rather than looking only at the headline rent.
In England, there is another reason April matters. The first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act starts on 1 May 2026. Shelter and GOV.UK both note that the law changes from that date, while the current rules remain in place until 30 April 2026. For tenants, that means it is worth understanding what is changing, even if you are not moving immediately. The new system will affect issues such as tenancy structure, notice, rent in advance, rent increases and the right to request a pet. Knowing the broad direction of travel can help you ask better questions and feel more confident about your options.
This does not mean every tenant should rush into a move before summer. It means tenants should be deliberate. If you plan to stay, make sure you understand your current agreement, renewal timing and likely future costs. If you plan to move, begin your search early enough that you are not making decisions under pressure. If you are undecided, use April to gather the information that will help you choose well rather than react late.
One of the biggest pressures for tenants is feeling that the market is always moving faster than they are. In reality, a calm and informed approach is often the most effective one. Keep a close eye on your monthly outgoings, think ahead about notice periods, and stay realistic about what matters most in your next home. Space, commute, flexibility and overall monthly costs all count.
Whether you are searching for your next home or planning ahead, staying informed about rental market trends helps you make confident decisions.
