Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
One in Seven Landlords Switch to Room-Only Tenancies, SpareRoom Data Shows
Landlords are turning to room-only tenancies to protect themselves against costly void periods, according to new data reported by Property118. Findings by SpareRoom show that around one in seven (14%) landlords in England who let to flatsharers say they have switched to room-only agreements since the Renters' Rights Act came into effect.
What the Data Shows
The 14% figure relates specifically to landlords in England who let to flatsharers. According to the report, these landlords have moved to room-only agreements since the Renters' Rights Act came into effect.
The source states that landlords are making the shift to protect themselves against costly void periods. Property118 reports that under the Act, when one tenant on a shared tenancy leaves, the arrangement changes, though the excerpt provided does not set out the full detail of that mechanism.
Why This Matters for Letting Agents and Inventory Clerks
For letting agents in the flatshare and HMO-adjacent market, the reported move towards room-only agreements signals a potential change in how shared tenancies are structured and managed. Room-only arrangements typically mean individual agreements per room rather than a single joint tenancy across the property.
Inventory clerks should note that room-only tenancies can alter the scope of check-in and check-out reporting, with individual room schedules potentially replacing or supplementing whole-property inventories. The source does not provide further detail on how inventories or deposit protection are handled under these arrangements.
What the Source Does Not Say
The Property118 excerpt does not include the full text of the Renters' Rights Act provisions referenced, nor does it provide regional breakdowns, landlord numbers, or commentary from named individuals. It includes no direct quotes from SpareRoom, landlords, or industry bodies. Agents seeking the full picture should refer to the original article.
Source: Property118