What’s the latest?
- the cost of void periods has surged across England, with average losses hitting £1,135 per vacant property
- landlords face a 12.9% increase in void costs compared to last year
- to help protect your property, you should focus on retaining good tenants and preparing for upcoming legislation changes
Empty properties are a growing concern for UK landlords. Recent data shows that the cost of void periods between tenancies has climbed significantly over the last year. And this adds extra financial pressure at a time when you’re already dealing with rising compliance costs and new regulations.
Many landlords focus on the monthly rent they can get. But the income lost when a property sits empty is just as important. We look at the latest numbers from Rushbrook & Rathbone, along with exclusive insights from our Simply Business Landlord Report 2025, to help you understand the market.
How much are void periods costing landlords in 2026?
The average void period across England now stands at 24 days. Based on average market rents, this leaves landlords losing out on £1,135 every time a property sits empty. This is a 12.9% increase from April 2025, according to management firm Rushbrook & Rathbone.
Costs vary depending on where your property is located. The West Midlands saw the largest jump, with void costs climbing by 52.9% to reach £307. London has the highest outright cost at £1,252 per void, even though it has one of the countries shortest average empty periods of 16.6 days.
An empty property doesn’t just mean a temporary loss of rent. You still have to pay your mortgage (if you have one), landlord insurance, service charges, and council tax while the property sits vacant.
24 days
average void period in England
£1.1k
average cost of an empty rental property
How are new regulations impacting landlords?
The Renters’ Rights Act was cited as the biggest challenge for 26% of landlords, according to the Simply Business Landlord Report 2025. Many landlords worry that the new rules will make the eviction process longer and more expensive. For example, 38% of landlords say banning Section 21 evictions is their top concern.
Because of these changes, some landlords are taking much longer to choose the right tenant. They want to make sure they find someone reliable, which can naturally lead to longer void periods. And with 78% of landlords feeling concerned about the future of the rental market, security and compliance have never been more important.
Read more: Simply Business Landlord Report 2025
What can you do to reduce rental void periods?
The best way to avoid empty periods is to keep your current tenants happy. Our 2025 Landlord Report shows that 31% of tenants stay in the same property for more than five years. Having a good relationship can give you a stable income stream, reduce your admin work, and keep your property safe.
Choose to absorb some costs if it means keeping a reliable tenant. In fact, 54% of landlords haven’t increased rent for their existing tenants in the past 12 months. Keeping rent affordable can encourage your tenants to stay longer, which saves you from paying those high void costs.
You should also make sure your property meets all safety standards and energy efficiency rules. A safe, compliant home attracts long-term renters and helps protect you from legal disputes.
Plan ahead to help keep your rental business secure
The rental market is going through a period of massive change. But staying informed about new rules like the Renters’ Rights Act will help you adapt and protect your investment.
Take the time to review your compliance checklists, speak to legal experts if you need help, and check your landlord insurance cover. A proactive approach will help you reduce void periods, keep your tenants happy, and maintain a profitable rental property.
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Frequently asked questions about rental property void periods
What is a void period in renting?
A void period is the time when a rental property has no tenants living in it. During this time, the landlord receives no rental income but still has to pay running costs like mortgage payments and council tax.
How much does an average void period cost?
In 2026, the average cost of a void period in England is £1,135. This figure is based on an average empty period of 24 days and an average monthly rent of £1,438.
How will the Renters’ Rights Bill affect empty properties?
The Renters’ Rights Bill removes Section 21 evictions and introduces new rules for tenancies. This means landlords are spending more time vetting potential tenants to make sure they’re a secure fit, which can lead to longer empty periods between lets.
Are landlords selling their properties because of rising costs?
While costs and regulations are increasing, most landlords are staying in the market. The Simply Business Landlord Report 2025 found that 64% of landlords didn’t plan to sell a property in the next 12 months.
More guides for landlords
- Landlord responsibilities – a guide to property maintenance and repair
- The UK regions where house prices could grow the fastest by 2030
- What tenants want in 2026 (and how often to decorate your property)
- Section 13 rent increase: a guide for landlords
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