Longer void periods are increasing landlord costs across England, Benham and Reeves latest research has discovered. Lost rental revenue from void periods has risen by 19% over the past year according to their analysis.

The average void period has increased from 22 days to 24 days, while average monthly rents have risen by 8.9% to £1,375. As a result, the average financial impact of a void period for landlords has grown to £1,085.

In the North West, void periods now average 30 days, with rents up by 9.8%, leading to a loss of £876 in rental income—an increase of 65% compared to the previous year.

London landlords have experienced the second-highest rise in lost income at 36%, with the average loss reaching £1,611.

In the South West, void period costs have risen by 28% to £920, while in the South East, they now stand at £981.

Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, said: “Void periods have long been a thorn in the side of the nation’s landlords but it’s an inevitable reality when operating within the private rental sector.

“However, there’s been a considerable increase in both the time and rental income lost to void periods over the last year and this is a worrying trend that could well continue with the Renters’ Rights Bill on the horizon.”

He added: “The switch to periodic tenancies over fixed-term contracts will enable tenants to jump ship with just two months’ notice, putting landlords back at square one with respect to finding a tenant and once again enduring the income lost due to a void period.

“So not only will they face longer void periods, they are also likely to become more frequent, which will further reduce the profit margins of the average buy-to-let investor at a time when we should be encouraging investment into the sector.”

The increase in void periods and associated costs presents ongoing challenges for landlords and the wider rental market.