Is It Taking Longer to Find a Tenant in 2026?
The rental market has changed. A few years ago, many rental properties could attract a large number of enquiries almost as soon as they went online. In 2026, landlords may notice that finding the right tenant can take a little more time. That does not mean tenants have disappeared. It means getting the price, presentation and marketing right matters more.
What has changed?
Zoopla reported that rental properties received an average of 5.6 enquiries per listing in May 2026, compared with almost 16 at the peak in 2022. So, rather than expecting a flood of enquiries immediately, landlords may now see interest build more steadily. At the same time, there is still a shortage of rental homes. Zoopla says there are around 25% fewer homes available to rent across the UK than before the pandemic. This means good rental properties are still in demand. Landlords simply need to make sure their property is competing well against the other homes available.
What is happening locally?
The latest figures show that rental supply remains particularly tight in Yorkshire & Humber. In September, Zoopla reported that the number of homes available to rent across Yorkshire & Humber was 12% lower than a year earlier. Earlier Zoopla figures also showed average rents in Yorkshire & Humber at around £866 per month, with annual rental growth of 3.5%.
Of course, the rental market can vary considerably from one town, street and property type to another.
This is why local advice is important when deciding how much rent to ask.
Getting the asking rent right. One of the biggest influences on how quickly you find a tenant is the asking rent. Setting the rent too high can mean:
- Fewer enquiries
- Fewer viewing requests
- A longer period without a tenant
- The property becoming stale online
The highest asking rent does not always produce the best return. For example, leaving a property empty for several additional weeks can quickly outweigh a small increase in the monthly rent. The aim should be to achieve the right rent while also finding a suitable tenant within a sensible timeframe.
Presentation matters too. Tenants have more time to compare properties than they did during the busiest parts of the rental market. Good presentation can therefore make a real difference. That includes:
- Clear, professional photography
- An accurate and informative property description
- A well-presented property
- Prompt responses to enquiries
- Good availability for viewings
- An asking rent that reflects the local market
The easier you make it for a prospective tenant to see the property and understand what it offers, the better your chances of securing the right tenant.
Thinking of letting a property? The market is still active, but landlords need to approach it differently from the exceptionally busy rental market of a few years ago.
This is where Richard Kendall Lettings can help. Our local lettings teams can advise you on:
- The current rental value of your property
- What similar properties are achieving locally
- How to present your property for the rental market
- Marketing and professional photography
- Arranging and accompanying viewings
- Finding and referencing suitable tenants
- Current landlord legislation and compliance
- Our fully managed lettings service
If you already have a rental property, are between tenants or are considering becoming a landlord, speak to Richard Kendall Lettings. We can provide a free rental valuation and practical advice based on what is
happening in your local market now.
