The number of tenants who managed to negotiate a rent reduction fell to a record low of 1.1 per cent in December down from 1.6 per cent the previous month, according to research by Arla Propertymark.

By contrast, the number of agents reporting rent increases remained steady at 32 per cent, although this figure was up from 18 per cent a year earlier.

Demand from tenants continued on a downward trajectory with on average 56 prospective renters registered per branch, down from 67 in November.

There was an increase in rental stock with the number of properties managed per branch up from 193 to 206 year on year.

December’s figure was only marginally up on 203 properties per branch in November.

Arla Propertymark chief executive David Cox says: “Since the tenant fees ban came into effect, our data shows that rents reached an all-time high last year. 

“While we have seen a slight drop in the number of agents witnessing landlords increasing rents since then, overall rents remain high and now it seems that tenants are finding it harder than ever to negotiate a reduction in rent.”

Cox adds: “As rents continue to rise, tenants will find it even more difficult to find suitable accommodation. 

“Now that we have a new government in place, it’s important that long overdue legislative changes are implemented to make the market attractive again for both tenants and landlords.”