The annual rate for housing and household services was 2.9% in February 2024, up from 2.5% in January and February 2023. The quicker pace in February this year reflected higher costs for homeowners, including mortgage costs, and rental costs going up. Price increases for privately rented properties pushed up the rental inflation rate to 6.9% in the year to February. Renters are under pressure as buy-to-let landlords pass on higher mortgage costs to renters.