RENTING has become increasingly difficult as the cost-of-living crisis grows.

As homes becoming more expensive and fewer flats become available, Brighton has recently been named the most stressful city to move house in.

The number of suitable properties for low-income renters has slowly decreased as energy prices and other bills have increased, forcing many out of the area.

One renter, who did not wish to be named, said: “Renting as a person with a single income in Brighton is a total nightmare. Landlords are upping rent at way above the inflation rate meaning it’s near on impossible to move house anywhere near the city centre.

“It means social aspects of my life have suffered hugely and just one unexpected payment has an impact on how I live for the rest of the month.

“The whole concept of the rental market is mad, and there needs to be some regulation, because it’s now beyond a joke.”

Average rents have shot up. The average for a one-bedroom flat in Brighton in 2022 was £1,170. In 2020, it was £997.

Ac spokesman for tenants' union Acorn said: “A particular issue that affects Brighton is that there is very little space to develop outwards.

“We also find that as a tourist city there is a massive issue with second homes.

“There’s only so much you can do on a local level, this is only the start of these things.”

As prices continue to rise further, it is feared that more and more renters will be unable to find properties they can afford.

Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle said there should be price regulation and secure tenancies.

Mr Russell-Moyle, MP for Brighton Kemptown, said: “This is a national problem which is worse in Brighton. In Brighton every single one of these problems is acute.

“Rental inflation has increased faster than housing inflation. It is going above and beyond what you would expect with the supply of properties.

“The government needs to take action here and we need to start seeing houses as homes.”