Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.

Void Periods Shorten Across England After Renters’ Rights Act

Void periods in the English rental market have shortened since the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in May, according to new research. Property management firm Rushbrook & Rathbone reports that average voids have eased, suggesting landlords are adapting to the new legislation.

The average rental void period across England now stands at 21 days, which is three days shorter than the 24-day average recorded in May, immediately after the Act was introduced. However, this figure remains two days longer than in June last year, when the average void period was 19 days.

Rushbrook & Rathbone states that many property owners are using this period of regulatory change to ensure compliance with the Renters’ Rights Act and to professionalise their portfolio management practices.

Regional Trends

Some regions have seen particularly notable improvements in void periods since May. The South West recorded the largest reduction, with average void periods down by 12.3 days. The North East saw a decrease of 6.3 days, the West Midlands by 3.7 days, the North West by 2.6 days, and Yorkshire and the Humber by 2.3 days.

Despite these improvements, some regions are still experiencing longer void periods compared to a year ago. Yorkshire and the Humber has seen the largest annual increase, with void periods up by 3.8 days.

Rushbrook & Rathbone’s Managing Director, Roma Sharma, commented on the significance of these changes for the private rented sector, noting the ongoing need for landlords to adapt to new requirements and professional standards.

These findings are relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks monitoring market trends and compliance in the wake of recent legislative changes.