Epping Forest is the most expensive place to rent in Essex, figures reveal.

The median monthly rent in the district - averaged out across all types of property - was £1,295 between April 1 last year and March 31 this year.

This is an increase of £45 from the period between October 1, 2018 and September 30 last year - according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Across Essex, where the average monthly rent has increased to an all time high, the median rent was £926. This is an increase of £17.

Brentwood was the second most expensive place to rent, with rents increasing £25 to £1,075.

In Chelmsford, the median cost of renting has increased by £25 to £925 a month.

The increase in rents has coincided with a steep rise in unemployment with industry experts warning of a lengthy backlog of evictions over the coming months as more and more tenants struggle financially.

The latest ONS report shows that median rents in England have not been higher. London had the highest median monthly rent at £1,425; this is more than double the median monthly rent for the whole of England.

Co-founder of rental deposit replacement company Ome, Matthew Hooker, said: “Rental affordability remains a burning issue and one that will continue to plague the market having been greatly exacerbated by the arrival of Covid-19.

“We’ve seen tenants across the UK squeezed in recent years where the cost of living is concerned as wage growth has failed to keep pace with ever-increasing rental costs.

“However, this will have become a much bigger issue for those that now find themselves on restricted income or recently unemployed, with the cost of renting now hitting an all-time high.

“The extended eviction ban will do little to comfort those with an eye on their long-term future within the rental sector. It is likely we will see a lengthy backlog of evictions over the coming months as more and more tenants struggle financially.

“While tough, the best advice for tenants currently is to reduce their outgoings where possible, continue to maintain rental payments where they can and keep communication frequent and open with their landlord.”