Rent and run? Agents warn of new ‘Stopover Tenant’ epidemic
Nearly 1 in 3 letting agents report tenants walking away from 6–12 month tenancies – some after just a few months
Experts warn rental reforms are fueling relocation-style, short-term renting
Almost half of agents now advising landlords on how to manage early exits
A new trend is sweeping the rental market and it’s leaving landlords reeling.
Letting agents are warning of a sharp rise in so-called ‘stopover tenants’ – renters who sign six- or twelve-month agreements, but leave after just a few months, leaving landlords to deal with sudden void periods and unexpected costs.
New research from Alto, the UK’s leading property software provider, reveals that almost a third of letting agents have seen this trend first-hand, with some describing it as a “growing issue.”
And many believe the Government’s upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill could be making things worse.
More than a quarter of agents (27%) say recent reforms are encouraging a surge in relocation-style renting with tenants taking properties for work or personal reasons, but without any intention of staying long-term.
The result? Chaos for landlords and agents alike.
Nearly half of agents (46%) are now actively advising their landlords to plan for mid-tenancy exits, building new clauses and strategies into contracts to protect income.
“This is a rental market in flux,” said Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, CEO of Alto.
“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. Landlords who don’t adapt risk empty properties, lost income, and a whole lot of stress.”
Rachael Doyle, Associate Director at BerkeleyShaw Real Estate, added: “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 UK letting agents also revealed the top concerns keeping landlords awake at night. Alongside early exits and void periods, loss of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions (29%) and looming EPC changes (15%) are among the biggest worries.
Alto, which supports more than 33,000 UK agents, is helping firms navigate the upheaval. Its platform includes automation and custom workflows to simplify everything from rolling contract management and Right to Rent checks to notice periods and tenant communications; helping agents minimise disruption and keep income stable.
“Legislative change is always disruptive – but it doesn’t have to be destructive,” Iannucci-Dawson added. “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. With Alto’s lettings progression tools, agents can do exactly that – turning a potential headache into a real opportunity.”
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