HOW MUCH CAN LANDLORDS RAISE RATES?

The immediate aim of the changes to the Rental Index measures is to avoid instances when landlords with older buildings raise rates each time newer buildings come to the area with higher rents. Or where these landlords ask for more just because rents in that area have shown increases.

Under the proposed change, landlords with buildings of a certain vintage can only raise rents in line with inflation or within a certain range.

Those with properties in newer buildings — and with 4-star ratings — have much greater flexibility on when and by how much they can increase. (Five-star ratings will apply to those buildings that have high green and sustainability credentials.)