Tenant right
Rental bidding wars are banned
Landlords and agents cannot invite or accept offers above the advertised rent. The asking price is the maximum — not the starting point.
What this means
In competitive rental markets, agents and landlords were routinely inviting tenants to bid against each other — driving rents far above asking price. The Renters' Rights Act 2026 makes this illegal. The advertised rent must be the true asking price, and no higher offer can be solicited or accepted.
What is prohibited
Landlords and agents cannot: advertise a property with a rent range (e.g. '£1,200–£1,500') intended to invite offers; ask applicants what they would be willing to pay above the asking price; or accept an unsolicited offer above the advertised rent and use it to pressure other applicants.
Penalties
Agents and landlords who facilitate a bidding war can be fined by their local council. Letting agents can also face disciplinary action from their trade body.
If this happens to you
You are not obliged to offer above the advertised rent. If an agent suggests you should, ask them to confirm in writing that they are inviting higher bids — most will not. Report the behaviour to your local Trading Standards office.
Official sources
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