A new phenomenon is unsettling the private rented sector: so-called ‘stopover tenants’ – renters who commit to six- or twelve-month agreements but leave after only a few months.

Letting agents warn this short-stay behaviour is on the rise, creating unexpected voids, lost income, and extra admin for landlords.

Agents sound the alarm

Fresh research from Alto, a lettings software provider, shows:

• 1 in 3 agents have encountered stopover tenants recently.

• 27% say government reforms are fuelling short-term “relocation renting.”

• 46% are now advising landlords to plan for mid-tenancy exits by revising contracts and strategies.

Riccardo Iannucci-Dawson, CEO of Alto, said:  “This is a rental market in flux. A 12-month contract no longer guarantees a 12-month stay. Landlords who don’t adapt risk empty properties, lost income, and a whole lot of stress.”

Wider landlord concerns

Alto’s survey of 250 UK agents also flagged the biggest issues landlords are grappling with:

• Loss of Section 21 evictions (29%)

• EPC upgrade requirements (15%)

• Rising costs linked to early exits and voids

Expert advice

Rachael Doyle of BerkeleyShaw Real Estate believes stopover tenants don’t have to spell disaster:  “With the right advice and planning, we can put measures in place that minimise disruption and keep properties profitable. With the right strategy, landlords can stay one step ahead.”

Landlord takeaway

• Review tenancy agreements: include clauses around notice, break options, and penalties.

• Budget for flexibility: plan for potential voids between shorter stays.

• Stay close to your agent: ensure they’re actively screening tenants and advising on contract wording.

The stopover tenant trend is unlikely to disappear soon — but with proactive planning, landlords can mitigate the risks and protect their cash flow.