RENTS have hit a new high — well above inflation — as new figures published today showed landlords keep increasing rents to allegedly offset new government legislation.

Housing campaigners blamed lack of controls for the spiralling crisis and demanded more houses be built to help slow down greedy landlords.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) also revealed that average house prices had risen by £18,000 annually, with new buyers shelling out around £214,000 for their first home.