By Andy Powers, Director at Martin & Co Solihull
After a few years of significant change in the UK property market, landlords in Solihull may be wondering what this autumn has in store. With rents climbing in many parts of the country and local demand remaining strong, now is the time for landlords to understand how and when to review their rents — and just as importantly, how to do it fairly and legally.
If you’re a landlord or investor weighing up your options, this guide will walk you through the latest rental trends, legal considerations, and smart strategies for making rent reviews work for you and your tenants.
What’s happening in the Solihull rental market right now?
According to Rightmove’s latest Rental Price Tracker, average asking rents across the West Midlands rose by 8.5% over the past year. Zoopla’s Rental Market Report also shows that Solihull is seeing some of the sharpest increases in rents outside London, with demand for family homes and quality flats still far outstripping supply.
Currently, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom property in Solihull sits at around £995, up from £920 this time last year. For three-bed houses, that figure rises to £1,250 or more, particularly in areas near popular schools or commuter links.
This upward trend is largely driven by a lack of available homes to let. Many landlords are holding onto existing tenants, and fewer new rental properties are entering the market due to higher borrowing costs and stricter energy regulations. Combined with strong employment rates and Solihull’s ever-growing appeal as a commuter hub, this has created a competitive environment for renters.
Are rent increases justified? Understanding what tenants will pay
The rise in rent prices isn’t just down to landlord decisions. Broader market forces are at play — inflation, increased maintenance and insurance costs, higher mortgage rates, and ongoing legislation changes are all pushing operating costs up.
At the same time, tenants are also facing rising living costs. According to the ONS Private Rental Index, rents across England rose by 9.7% in the 12 months to July 2025, with the West Midlands slightly above average. But income growth hasn’t always kept pace, meaning affordability is a genuine concern.
As a landlord, it’s important to strike a balance. Rent increases may be justified if:
- Your mortgage costs have risen significantly
- Local rents have increased in comparable properties
- You’ve made improvements to the property
- Your expenses (e.g. insurance, repairs, compliance) have gone up
A small, well-reasoned rent rise is often easier for tenants to accept than a large, sudden hike. Long-term tenancies tend to be more profitable than frequent turnover, so retention should be part of the strategy.
Rules around raising rent: what landlords must follow
In England, the rules around rent increases depend on the type of tenancy in place.
If your tenants are on a periodic tenancy (month-to-month or rolling after the fixed term), you can increase the rent by serving a Section 13 notice. This must give tenants at least one month’s notice and follow the proper format.
For a fixed-term tenancy, you can only increase the rent:
- If the tenancy agreement includes a rent review clause
- By mutual agreement with the tenant
- When renewing the fixed term
How to approach rent reviews
A transparent, professional approach goes a long way. Here are some best practices:
- Review rents annually: This prevents sudden, large increases.
- Benchmark locally: Use data from Rightmove, Zoopla, or your letting agent to ensure your rent is in line with the local market.
- Communicate early: Give tenants plenty of notice and explain the reasons for the change.
- Offer something in return: Even a small improvement — like upgraded flooring or new appliances — can make a rent increase feel fairer.
We always recommend landlords document any changes and keep a clear record of all communications.
How much can landlords in Solihull raise rent by?
There is no legal cap on rent increases in England, but any rise must be fair and reflect the local market. Here’s a quick look at average asking rents in Solihull (Autumn 2025):
- 1-bed flat: £875 (up 6.8% year-on-year)
- 2-bed house: £995 (up 8.1%)
- 3-bed house: £1,250+ (up 9.2%)
- 4-bed detached: £1,750+ (up 7.6%)
If your property’s rent is significantly below the going rate, a modest increase might be appropriate. That said, we advise caution. Tenants are savvy — they’ll compare what you offer with similar properties.
Key factors that justify higher rent include:
- Modern kitchens or bathrooms
- Energy efficiency improvements (like double glazing or a new boiler)
- Proximity to top-rated schools or rail links
- Professional management or responsive maintenance
When a rent increase might not be the best move
Raising rent without considering the bigger picture can backfire. Here are scenarios where it might be better to hold steady:
- High risk of tenant turnover: If good tenants might leave, the cost of a void period could outweigh the benefits.
- Need for upgrades: If your property needs investment, focus on making it more desirable before increasing rent.
- Legislation pressure: With talk of tougher EPC rules on the horizon (requiring a minimum rating of C for new tenancies), some landlords may benefit more from improving energy performance than raising rent.
- Local competition: If several similar properties nearby are vacant, it may not be the right time to push rents.
Instead of increasing rent, you could:
- Offer longer tenancy terms in return for fixed rent
- Switch to a fully managed service to reduce stress
- Explore remortgaging options to reduce monthly costs
Autumn checklist for Solihull landlords
To help you make informed decisions this season, here’s a quick checklist:
- Review current rent against market data
- Factor in rising costs (e.g. mortgage, insurance)
- Communicate changes clearly and fairly
- Consider the tenant’s circumstances and loyalty
- Make energy efficiency part of your strategy
- Book a fresh rental valuation from a local expert
Thinking of adjusting your rent or investing in a new property? Get a free, no-obligation rental valuation.
Final thoughts from Andy
Rents are rising in Solihull, and the outlook for landlords is still strong. But raising rent is not just about chasing returns — it’s about being a fair, strategic and informed property owner.
Here at Martin & Co Solihull, we help landlords take a long-term view. Whether you’re considering a rent review, looking for reliable tenants, or planning your next investment, our local lettings experts are here to help.
The right advice can make all the difference. If you’re ready to talk through your options, let’s have a chat.
Browse available investment opportunities or book a free landlord valuation today.
