A fresh challenge is emerging in the UK rental market, and it is catching many landlords off guard.
Letting agents are raising concerns about the rise of so-called ‘stopover tenants’ – renters who agree to six- or twelve-month contracts but move out far earlier than expected. For landlords, this often results in sudden void periods, unexpected costs, and increased stress.
Research by property software provider Alto shows that this is not a small-scale issue. Almost a third of letting agents surveyed reported that they have encountered this problem first-hand, and some described it as a trend that is quickly growing in scale.
What makes this development particularly worrying is its potential connection to legislative changes. Many agents believe that the Government’s forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill may be playing a role in fuelling this behaviour.
According to Alto’s findings, 27% of letting agents said they feel recent reforms are encouraging tenants to adopt more flexible lifestyles. This has led to a rise in relocation-style renting, where individuals take on tenancies for work or personal reasons but without the intention of staying in the property long term.
For landlords, the consequences are clear. Empty homes not only mean lost rental income but also create additional costs, such as utility bills, council tax, and new tenant marketing expenses. With the growing unpredictability of tenant behaviour, landlords are being urged to adapt their approach.
Nearly half of agents (46%) are now actively advising landlords to make preparations for the possibility of tenants leaving mid-tenancy. This may involve revising tenancy agreements with new protective clauses, as well as adopting strategies that cushion the financial impact of early exits.
The survey of 250 UK letting agents also revealed other significant worries weighing on landlords. The most pressing, alongside sudden vacancies, are the potential loss of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions (29%) and the looming changes to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) requirements (15%).
These concerns highlight how much uncertainty landlords currently face. With new rules, changing tenant behaviour, and shifting market conditions, property owners are being forced to re-evaluate how they manage their investments.
Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, Chief Executive of Alto, explained: “We are seeing the rental market evolve rapidly. Tenants are more mobile than ever before, and a twelve-month agreement no longer guarantees a twelve-month stay. Unless landlords adapt, they risk being left with empty properties, lost income, and additional pressures.”
His comments underline the reality that the traditional model of longer-term renting is not always reliable in today’s market. Flexibility and forward planning are becoming essential tools for landlords who want to protect their returns.
Rachael Doyle, Associate Director at BerkeleyShaw Real Estate, added her perspective: “Stopover tenants are becoming part of the rental landscape. However, this doesn’t need to spell disaster for landlords. With careful planning and professional advice, it is possible to put safeguards in place that reduce disruption and ensure properties remain profitable.”
This message serves as a reminder that landlords are not powerless in the face of change. By reviewing tenancy agreements, considering new clauses, and seeking support from experienced letting agents, property owners can create a buffer against the risks of short-term tenancies.
More broadly, the rise of stopover tenants reflects wider shifts in lifestyle and housing preferences. People are increasingly mobile, moving for career opportunities or personal reasons, and many are reluctant to commit to longer stays. This may continue to shape the rental market in the years ahead.
Ultimately, landlords who stay proactive, plan for change, and adapt to new trends will be best positioned to weather the challenges. The key lies in being flexible, protecting income streams, and understanding that the rental market is in constant motion.