0:01 AM, 15th September 2025, About 3 months ago 14
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Landlords are grappling with a growing problem as more renters walk away from fixed-term agreements well before their tenancies are due to end.
Known as ‘stopover tenants’, research by property software provider Alto shows that nearly a third of letting agents have encountered tenants abandoning six- or 12-month tenancies after only a month or two.
Many agents say this is a ‘growing issue’ which leaves landlords struggling with void periods and unexpected costs.
They warn that the Renters’ Rights Bill will fuel relocation-style, short-term renting and make the situation even worse.
The firm’s chief executive, Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, said: “This is a rental market in flux.
“We’re seeing a new kind of tenant – one that’s more mobile than ever before, and a 12-month contract no longer guarantees a 12-month stay.”
He added: “Landlords who don’t adapt risk empty properties, lost income and a whole lot of stress.”
Mr Iannucci-Dawson said: “Legislative change is always disruptive – but it doesn’t have to be destructive.
“Handled well, short-term lets can actually put more money in landlords’ pockets.
“The key is speed and visibility – filling voids fast, keeping tenants happy and staying on top of the admin.”
More than a quarter of agents say the government’s Bill is already encouraging a pattern of short stay renting, with people taking homes for temporary work or lifestyle reasons without intending to remain.
Almost half of agents are now advising clients to prepare for early departures, adding new clauses and strategies to safeguard their income.
Rachael Doyle, an associate director at BerkeleyShaw Real Estate, said: “Stopover tenants are becoming part of the rental landscape, but it doesn’t have to spell disaster for landlords.
“With the right advice and planning, we can put measures in place that minimise disruption and keep properties profitable, with the right strategy, landlords can stay one step ahead and protect their income.”
The survey of 250 agents also revealed the other main concerns troubling landlords, which include the removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and upcoming EPC regulations.
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Rent growth slows as the PRS cools - Zoopla
Jill Church
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Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 52
16:43 PM, 15th September 2025, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jim K at 15/09/2025 – 14:05
Yes, i realise that, hence my last comment…until the RRB applies…
Here in Wales, since 2022, we have “standard occupation contracts” in place of tenancy agreements. They can either be Periodic from day one, or Fixed Term, usually 6 or 12 months, when they are either renewed or become periodic automatically, whichever both parties agree to.
The Fixed Term requires both parties to commit to the minimum term.
I don’t think the new rules in England will affect this.
Tiger
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Member Since October 2024 - Comments: 131
18:34 PM, 15th September 2025, About 3 months ago
I have found people are happy to leave after moving in. The house was completely refurbished, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, painted the walls, ceilings, woodwork, new beds, fitted wardrobes. They still found faults that did not exist. Legally, I could have made them stay but if they were nto happy, what can you do. I am afraid it is not always possible to rent out. There are a lot of empty properties in the area, some not so good. Een agents are surprised that it is such a dead market. Rent is about 25% lower than what was agreed this year and what it was last 2 years. These are properties that cost anything between £800k to £900k to purchase.
It seems R2R or the council is the choice, now. The council is the least attractive, as they will destroy the proeprty as they will not care for it.
G H
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Member Since January 2025 - Comments: 5
9:02 AM, 21st September 2025, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jill Church at 15/09/2025 – 10:41
Under the RRB, two months’ notice can be given by a tenant at any point in the tenancy. This means notice can be given on day one of the tenancy, and the tenant can legitimately leave at the end of the second month of the tenancy.
An amendment was proposed to change the point at which notice can be given, but I don’t know the outcome of that proposal.
Stella
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Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 583
16:58 PM, 21st September 2025, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by G H at 21/09/2025 – 09:02
I hope that I am wrong but I think that the 2 months notice from day one was not amended.
There is a remote possibility that it still might be amended but I wouldn’t hold my breath.