Call us
    t: 01480 218200e: info@lovettsalesandlettings.co.uk
    Get a Valuation
    Register
    LogoLogo
    Home/News/Tenants: in it for the long haul

    Tenants: in it for the long haul

    over 3 years ago
    Lettings
    Tenants: in it for the long haul

    Despite the common rhetoric that renting is great for flexible living and flighty lifestyles, the latest English Housing Survey (EHS) – which represents the biggest and most representative dataset for the private rented sector – showed that average tenancy lengths are rising.

    The average stay in a rented property is now 4.3 years. This is up from 4.1 years detailed in the 2017/18 EHS, and up from 3.9 years in the 2016/17 version of the report. The findings also reveal that tenancy length increases with age. Renters aged 75 and over were found to have an average tenancy length of 17.5 years, which puts their tenure on a par with owner occupiers. Those aged 45 to 64 were found to live in one property for an average of 5.7 years, while those in the 16 to 24 age group stayed the shortest time – an average of 1.3 years.

    The figures come at a time when the Government looks set to publish its Renters Reform Bill white paper – a document that seeks to shake up England’s private rental sector in favour of creating secure long-term tenancies. While the white paper mentions lifetime deposits and a ban on Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, it stops short of introducing mandatory 3-year tenancies – a move it consulted on in 2017.

    That doesn’t mean to say that the notion of long-term tenancies is abandoned or is a bad idea. On the contrary. For many landlords, the thought of a regular tenant is an appealing one, especially if they pay the rent on time and look after the property. There is always the option to set longer tenancies at the start, rather than keep renewing the same tenancy after 6 or 12 months.

    Agreeing a tenancy length of 2 or 3 years will reduce the ‘churn’ of renters and eliminate void periods. Longer tenancy lengths can also save landlords money, as there are fewer tenant-find, inventory and check-out costs to pay. In addition, well-managed, long-term tenants are a great way to earn passive income – especially when a property manager takes on the day-to-day running of the tenancy.

    Creating a tenancy agreement of more than 12 months does, however, need a well-planned approach. Choosing to have the agreement professionally drawn up and the tenancy managed by an agent is the safest way to ensure everyone enjoys maximum protection. This is especially pertinent for landlords in light of forecast changes to the evictions process, of which we can explain more when you get in touch.

    Three essential considerations for long-term tenancies:

    1. Evaluate risks at the referencing stage: when agreeing to a longer tenancy, it is imperative that the very best tenants are placed in the property. Referencing will identify those who have good credit histories and are in secure employment. Crucially, references will reveal if applicants have been model tenants when renting before.
    2. Ask for a break clause to be added to the agreement: if the security of a long term tenant appeals and makes you nervous in equal measure, ensure there is a ‘break clause’ inserted into the tenancy agreement. A break clause gives the landlord, or the tenant, the right to end the tenancy before the fixed-term period ends.
    3. Ensure inspections are carried out regularly: it’s easy to cultivate a false sense of security when you have long-term tenants who pay the rent promptly. Knowing how your buy-to-let is being treated over the years is imperative to protect the property’s value and to catch small niggles before they turn into major problems.

    We can help landlords plan for their buy-to-let’s future, advising on the best tenancy duration based on individual aims and circumstances. Get in touch with us today.

    Share this article

    More Articles

    More than half of under 34s hope to become a landlord

    More than half of under 34s hope to become a landlord

    Published 5 days ago

    Younger Millennials (born between 1991 and 1996) and those in Generation Z (1997-2012) still see a future in property investment. That was the surprising finding of a new survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium on behalf of Market Financial Solutions.

    Read More
    A tenant’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill

    A tenant’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill

    Published about 1 month ago

    The Renters’ Rights Bill has taken another step towards becoming law. With no major amendments expected, it’s now that tenants should take notice of the Bill’s contents.

    Read More
    Renters Rights Bill Simplified & Current Status

    Renters Rights Bill Simplified & Current Status

    Published 2 months ago

    The renters rights bill is a significant development in the UK housing market, aiming to enhance tenant protection and improve the rental experience. This article explores the bill's objectives, current status, and implications for both tenants and landlords.

    Read More

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.

    You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

    Back to Home

    Quick Links 

    Why sell with Lovett?
    Letting with Lovett
    Guide to renting
    Guide to buying

     About us 

    The Lovett Story
    Meet the team
    Our happy ever afters
    Get in touch

    How to find us 

    24 Market Square, St Neots
    Cambridgeshire PE19 2AF
    t: 01480 218200
    Email us

    RightMove
    SafeAgent
    ThePropertyOmbudsman
    Logo
    © 2025 Lovett Sales & Lettings
    Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|Cookie Policy
    Powered by