Rents in 2015 rose at their fastest pace in four years increasing by 3.4% - the fastest since 2011 when the rate was at 4%. With inflation at 0% and wages rising at just 2%, renting is now more expensive than ever in real terms. A shortage of housing in London and the South East is one factor driving up the cost of renting as is house building currently running at half the level needed to meet demand across the UK.