When one tenancy is coming to an end, it is understandable that a landlord’s immediate priority is avoiding an unnecessary void period. The temptation can be to get the property advertised again as quickly as possible and deal with everything else along the way.
However, the gap between tenancies is also one of the best opportunities to review how the property is performing.
Whether your current tenants are preparing to leave this autumn or you expect the property to become available later in the year, September is a useful time to look at its condition, rental value and the practical side of managing the next tenancy.
The rental market continues to see annual growth, although it has become more moderate than the increases seen in recent years. The latest ONS figures show the average UK private rent reached £1,388 per month in June 2026, an annual increase of 3.3%, with considerable variation between the different nations and local markets. (
For landlords, that makes an up-to-date rental assessment more useful than simply applying a percentage increase to whatever the previous tenant was paying.
Look at the property before looking at the price
A tenancy change is a natural time to walk through the property with fresh eyes.
Normal wear and tear is inevitable, but small jobs can accumulate over several years without becoming urgent enough to tackle while somebody is living there. Decoration, sealant, flooring, appliances, handles, gardens and external areas are all worth checking before photographs are taken and new applicants begin viewing.
This does not necessarily mean undertaking a refurbishment every time tenants move out. Often, a thorough clean and a relatively short list of maintenance jobs can make a significant difference to how a property feels.
It can also be useful to think like the next tenant. Is there enough storage? Does the heating make sense to use? Are instructions available for appliances? Is the garden manageable? Does the property feel well cared for from the moment somebody arrives?
These are not always things that dramatically increase the achievable rent, but they can influence the quality of interest the property receives and the impression created during a viewing.
Is the previous rent still appropriate?
Rental values have changed substantially over recent years, but the national average should never automatically determine the rent of an individual property. The latest ONS data shows annual growth ranging from 1.3% in Scotland to 4.9% in Wales, illustrating how different rental markets can behave.
Even within one area, the performance of a two-bedroom flat can look very different from that of a family house.
An up-to-date rental valuation can therefore help landlords understand what comparable properties are achieving now. It is also important to consider the impact of a void when deciding how aggressively to price.
Holding out for a slightly higher monthly rent may not always improve the overall return if the property remains empty for longer. The strongest result is often a balance between a sensible market rent, good tenant demand and securing the right tenancy.
Make compliance part of the changeover
Landlords in England are also operating within a significantly different regulatory environment following the first major Renters’ Rights Act reforms, which came into effect on 1 May 2026. These included the abolition of Section 21 and the introduction of assured periodic tenancies across most of the private rented sector.
The rules differ elsewhere in the UK, so landlords should always make sure they are following the legislation that applies to their particular property.
A new tenancy is therefore a sensible point to review documentation, safety requirements and the process being used to let and manage the home. Compliance should not simply be assumed because everything was correct when the previous tenancy started.
It is also worth considering how the last tenancy went from a management perspective. If dealing with maintenance, inspections, paperwork or changing regulation has become more demanding than expected, the end of a tenancy may be a natural point to review whether your current approach is still right for you.
The aim is not simply to get another tenant through the door. A good next tenancy starts with a property that is properly prepared, correctly priced and managed in a way that works for both landlord and tenant.
If you’d like advice on the best way to get your property let or want to review your current rental performance, get in touch and we’ll be happy to guide you.
