Rental void periods across England have decreased to an average of 21 days in June, down from a peak of 24 days in May when the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, according to data from property management firm Rushbrook & Rathbone.
The three-day reduction suggests landlords are adjusting to the new legislative framework, though void periods remain two days longer than the 19-day average recorded in June last year.
Regional variations in void periods
The data reveals significant regional disparities in void period changes. The South West recorded the largest reduction since May, with average voids down 12.3 days, followed by the North East at 6.3 days, the West Midlands at 3.7 days, the North West at 2.6 days, and Yorkshire and the Humber at 2.3 days.
However, year-on-year comparisons show some regions still experiencing longer void periods than in 2025. Yorkshire and the Humber saw the largest annual increase at 3.8 days, indicating ongoing market adjustments in certain areas.
Market adaptation to legislative changes
The figures come as the rental sector continues to adapt to the Renters’ Rights Act, which introduced new compliance requirements for landlords. The legislation has prompted changes in how property owners manage their portfolios, with some letting agents implementing new workflow tools to handle administrative requirements.
Roma Sharma, Managing Director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, said: “It’s encouraging to see void periods beginning to reduce following what has been one of the most significant periods of change the private rented sector has experienced in recent years.”
She added that landlords should not view the reduction as an indication that adaptation is complete, noting that the sector is experiencing “a much broader shift in mindset” beyond initial compliance measures.
The rental market continues to evolve as landlords balance regulatory compliance with operational efficiency. The trend mirrors broader changes across the property sector, where firms are restructuring operations to meet changing market conditions.
The current data indicates that while the initial impact of the Renters’ Rights Act led to extended void periods, the market is showing signs of stabilisation as landlords implement systems to meet new requirements.
