
Rental reforms are fuelling relocation-style, short-term renting, leaving landlords to deal with sudden void periods and unexpected costs.
Nearly a third of letting agents report 'stopover tenants' walking away from 6–12-month tenancies - some after just a few months. New research from property software provider Alto reveals that many agents have seen this trend first-hand, with some describing it as a growing issue. 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 is chaos for landlords and agents.
Nearly half of agents (46%) are now actively advising their landlords to plan for mid-tenancy exits, by building new clauses and strategies into contracts to protect income.

“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,” reports Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, CEO of Alto (right). “Landlords who don’t adapt risk empty properties, lost income, and a whole lot of stress.”
However, he adds that while legislative change is always disruptive, it doesn’t have to be destructive. “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.”
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 evictions (29%) and looming EPC changes (15%) are among the biggest worries.
Tags:
Comments