"A void period doesn't just mean a temporary loss of rental income; landlords are also still contending with mortgage payments, insurance costs, service charges, maintenance obligations and other outgoings whilst a property sits empty"
- Roma Sharma - Rushbrook & Rathbone
Landlords are facing a growing squeeze on profits as the cost of void periods between tenancies climbs sharply, according to new research from property management specialist Rushbrook & Rathbone.
In some parts of England, the cost has risen by as much as 52.9% over the past year, adding hundreds of pounds in lost rental income at a time when landlords already face mounting pressures around compliance, maintenance and shifting regulation.
The firm analysed current market rents alongside the average length of void periods across England's rental market, comparing the figures with those from the same point last year to track how costs have changed.
Across England, the average void period now stands at 24 days. Based on an average monthly rent of £1,438, this works out at an estimated cost of £1,135 every time a property sits empty between tenancies. That represents a rise of £129, or 12.9%, compared with £1,005 in April 2025.
Some regions have seen far steeper increases than others:
- The West Midlands recorded the largest annual rise, with void period costs up 52.9% year on year, an additional £307
- The East Midlands saw the second largest percentage increase at 26.2%, adding £171 per void period
- The South West saw costs rise by £183, up 20.9%
- The East of England recorded a rise of £167, or 18.7%
When it comes to the highest outright cost of a void period, London tops the list. Despite having one of the shortest average void periods in the country at 16.6 days, higher rents mean landlords there face an average void cost of £1,252 each time a property becomes vacant. The South East ranks second at £1,065, with the South West close behind at £1,060 and the East of England at £1,059.
Rushbrook & Rathbone believe that as costs continue to rise across the private rented sector, reducing void periods is becoming increasingly important for protecting landlord profitability.
Professional property management, the firm says, can play a key role in cutting the length and frequency of void periods through proactive tenancy renewals, strong tenant retention, pre-void inspections, rapid turnaround maintenance and targeted marketing aimed at minimising the time a property sits empty between occupants.
"Many landlords focus on the rent they achieve, but the rental income lost between tenancies is often just as important as the rent achieved during them," said Roma Sharma, managing director of Rushbrook & Rathbone.
"A void period doesn't just mean a temporary loss of rental income; landlords are also still contending with mortgage payments, insurance costs, service charges, maintenance obligations and other outgoings whilst a property sits empty."
She continued: "As a result, even a relatively short void period can have a meaningful impact on overall returns, particularly at a time when landlords are facing increasing compliance requirements and investment costs across the sector. One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of void periods is through proactive management.
"Maintaining strong relationships with tenants can improve retention, whilst early planning, prompt maintenance and effective marketing can significantly reduce the time between one tenancy ending and the next beginning."
"In today's market, protecting rental income is about more than achieving the highest rent possible," she added. "It's also about minimising unnecessary gaps in occupation and ensuring properties remain attractive, compliant and ready for tenants at all times."
