Goodlord’s latest Rental Index shows rents eased in September following a record-breaking summer, with average costs down across most regions and void periods lengthening slightly. While seasonal cooling is typical, the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill could reshape rental dynamics by introducing new rules on rent increases and tenant bidding.
- Average void periods increased to 16 days, up from 15 in August
- Greater London and North West recorded shorter voids
- Average tenant salaries rose to £38,466, up 3% year-on-year
- Renters’ Rights Bill will cap rent increases to once a year and ban over-bidding by tenants
Original article source: Property118
The recent cooling in rents marks a shift from the extraordinary highs of the summer. Seasonal slowdowns are not unusual, but this autumn comes with added complexity. The Renters’ Rights Bill, due to take effect shortly, will change the mechanics of how landlords and tenants interact, limiting rent increases to once per year and removing the practice of tenant over-bidding.
This introduces a new rhythm to rental income planning. Adjustments will need to be more carefully timed, and reliance on competitive bidding will no longer be an option. While that may reduce flexibility in the short term, it also encourages steadier, more predictable tenancies over the long run. A market that is less prone to sharp spikes can be healthier for both investors and tenants alike.
Void periods rising slightly is another factor to note. With an average of 16 days between tenancies, landlords may see modest dips in yield compared with earlier in the year. However, salary growth continues to edge ahead of rental inflation. This offers reassurance that demand fundamentals remain in place, supported by tenants who are financially better positioned to sustain rents.
The key message is resilience. Regulatory shifts may introduce short-term unpredictability, but they also mark the maturing of a market where tenant security and landlord planning become more closely aligned. Those taking a long-term view – particularly in regions where salaries are tracking upwards – are likely to see these changes as part of a stabilising cycle, rather than a disruptive break.
