One in seven landlords switch to room-only tenancies

Landlords are turning to room-only tenancies to protect themselves against costly void periods, according to new data.

Findings by SpareRoom reveal 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.

Under the Act, when one tenant on a joint assured tenancy gives valid notice, the tenancy will usually end for everyone named on the tenancy agreement.

Consider household dynamics

According to the data, in the third quarter of 2026, rooms advertised by existing and outgoing flatmates made up 26% of total rooms available to rent, down from 30% the previous year, while rooms advertised by landlords and agents increased from 42% to 44%.

Matt Hutchinson, director of flatshare site SpareRoom, said: “Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants now have greater protections from eviction. There must be valid grounds for possession and proper process must be followed.

“A problem tenant can’t be made to leave because over a personality clash with other housemates, so it’s all the more important to choose wisely and consider household dynamics.

“When flatsharing, who you live with is arguably a far bigger deal than where you live, or what sort of place you live in.

“Flatmates want to feel comfortable and safe in their homes. They don’t want to feel anxious about who might be moving in next, or unhappy with a decision that’s been taken out of their hands.”

No perfect flatshare

He added: “There’s no perfect flatshare; they all look a bit different. Whatever the vibe, it’s important anyone hoping to move in understands the household dynamics, or it could be a recipe for disappointment.

“It’s understandable more landlords are offering room-only tenancies under the new rules. They know void periods are costly, and one empty room is a far smaller financial hit than an empty house or flat. But if one person’s behaviour prompts other tenants to give notice, it defeats the whole object of room-only lets.

“Landlords should find tenant turnover reduces if they offer the existing flatmates a say in who moves in when someone leaves.”

The data also reveals almost three times as many renters in England said they were now renting by the room as renting in a joint tenancy.