Rent Rises Across South East Essex: What Should Landlords Do?

Thu 12 Nov 2026

Rising rents can be encouraging for landlords, particularly when maintenance and ownership costs are also under review. However, a regional percentage does not tell you exactly what a tenant will pay for your property.

For a flat in Benfleet or a family house in Hockley, the most useful question is how that particular home compares with similar local rentals.

What do the latest local rent figures show?

The ONS figures available for this November update show:

Area	Average monthly private rent, September 2026	Annual increase
Rochford	£1,302	5.0%
Castle Point	£1,266	4.6%
Basildon	£1,428	4.8%
East of England	£1,298	3.8%

These figures cover new and existing tenancies. They should not be read as asking rents for newly advertised homes alone.

Although we describe our local area as South East Essex, Essex is included within the East of England statistical region. 

How should you price your own rental?

Start with comparable homes rather than applying the district's average increase automatically. Consider:

• The number and size of bedrooms.

• Decorative condition and quality of the kitchen and bathroom.

• Parking, outside space and storage.

• Energy efficiency and heating arrangements.

• Access to stations, shops and other amenities.

Be specific about location. A property near Benfleet station may attract a different set of enquiries from a home elsewhere in Castle Point. Likewise, a Hockley rental should be assessed against relevant local alternatives rather than the Rochford district average alone.

Balance a higher rent against the cost of a void

A rent increase should make financial sense across the year. As a simple illustration, an extra £50 a month produces £600 over 12 months. One empty month at £1,300 would cost more than twice that uplift before other reletting costs.

This does not mean avoiding rent reviews. It means weighing an achievable market rent alongside tenant retention and the property's overall return.

How much can a landlord increase rent in 2026?

For assured periodic tenancies in England, rent increases generally require the Section 13 process using form 4A, with at least two months' notice. Increases are limited to once a year and cannot take place in the tenancy's first year. Tenants can challenge an increase they believe exceeds the open market rent.

Check the tenancy and any transitional circumstances before serving notice.

Common questions about rent increases in Essex

Should I increase the rent by the local inflation figure?

There is no automatic percentage to apply to every property. The published average includes different property types and tenancies. Review comparable homes and the tenancy's circumstances before deciding whether an increase is appropriate.

Is an advertised rent the same as an achieved rent?

No. An asking rent shows what a landlord hopes to obtain. A completed comparable letting provides stronger evidence of what a tenant has agreed to pay. Ask how recent the comparison is and whether the home is genuinely similar to yours.

The ONS local rent report for Rochford explains the district's figures and allows readers to explore other council areas.

To assess your own home, request a property valuation and specify that you would like a rental appraisal. Our property management team can also discuss ongoing rent reviews.

Find out where your rental stands

For a property-specific rental appraisal, contact Williams & Donovan's Lettings & Property Management team on 01702 200666 or email [email protected].