Rents rise 1.1% to a new record, says LSL

The cost of renting a home in England and Wales rose by 1.1% in September to reach a new record high, a survey has suggested.

LSL Property Services, which owns the Your Move and Reeds Rains property chains, said that the average rent was now at £741 a month.

This was 1.1% higher than August and 3.2% up on the same month a year earlier.

Rents rose in seven different regions, at a peak time of tenant demand.

This was driven by increases in London and the South East of England, the survey said.

"Rents have risen consecutively for half a year as tenant demand strengthens on the back of a historically subdued mortgage market," said David Newnes, of LSL.

"However, every pound monthly rents go up by is another pound that renters cannot save for a deposit for their first home. This is lengthening their stay in rented accommodation, and increasing competition in the private rented sector."