Void periods ease following RRA implementation, but remain higher than a year ago
The latest analysis by property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, has found that average rental void periods across England have eased since the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) in May, suggesting that landlords are beginning to adapt to the new legislative landscape. The firm believes many are using this period of change as an opportunity not only to ensure compliance, but to introduce a greater degree of professionalism to the ongoing management of their rental portfolios.
Rushbrook & Rathbone analysed average rental void periods across England, comparing the latest June 2026 figures with both the month immediately following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2026 and the same period last year.
The analysis shows that the average rental void period across England currently stands at 21 days. This represents an improvement of three days compared to May 2026, when average void periods peaked at 24 days following the introduction of the RRA.
However, despite this recent improvement, void periods remain two days longer than in June 2025, when the average stood at 19 days, demonstrating that whilst the market may be settling following a period of legislative change, landlords are still facing longer gaps between tenancies than they were a year ago.
Some regions have seen particularly notable improvements since May. The South West has recorded the largest reduction, with average void periods falling by 12.3 days, followed by the North East (-6.3 days), the West Midlands (-3.7 days), the North West (-2.6 days) and Yorkshire and the Humber (-2.3 days).
Despite these improvements, several regions continue to record longer void periods than they did a year ago. Yorkshire and the Humber has seen the largest annual increase (+3.8 days), followed by the East Midlands (+3.4 days), the South West (+2.0 days), the East of England (+1.9 days) and London (+1.8 days).
Whilst the easing of void periods suggests the rental market is beginning to settle following the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act, Rushbrook & Rathbone believes the legislation has prompted many landlords to take a broader look at how their portfolios are managed.
Rather than focusing solely on regulatory compliance, the firm has seen growing demand from landlords looking to professionalise the management of their investments, recognising that long-term success relies not only on meeting legislative requirements, but also on delivering consistently high standards across maintenance, tenant communication, compliance and the efficient turnaround of properties between tenancies.
Roma Sharma, Managing Director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, commented:
“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.
However, landlords shouldn’t view this as a sign that the hard work is done. Whilst many initially focused on ensuring they were compliant with the requirements introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act, we’re now seeing a much broader shift in mindset.
Increasingly, landlords are asking how they can build more professional, resilient rental portfolios that not only meet today’s regulatory standards, but continue performing well in the years ahead.
That extends far beyond compliance. It means working with experienced letting agents, investing in professional property management, maintaining properties proactively, communicating effectively with tenants and reducing unnecessary void periods wherever possible.
The most successful landlords aren’t simply reacting to legislative change. They’re using it as an opportunity to improve every aspect of how their properties are managed, delivering a better experience for tenants whilst protecting their long-term investment.”
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