Void periods for rental properties remain high but have stabilised, according to new figures from the National Landlords Association supplied by research consultants BDRC Continental.

In March 2010, 52% of landlords had experienced voids in the previous 12-month period, which is a reduction from 55% during the last three months of 2009. The data also showed that the average duration of voids dropped from 19 days to 17 days.

Despite a marked increase in tenant demand and a reduction in supply as ‘reluctant landlords’ are able to sell their properties, there is still only a slight improvement in rental voids. Furthermore, the continuing lack of available mortgage finance for first time buyers, as well as the requirement for higher deposits, means that would-be buyers are renting for longer.

The strategy adopted by landlords for covering voids continues to vary depending on portfolio size. Although larger landlords are most able to offset the costs of voids with rent from other properties, 43% of landlords claimed to use personal savings to plug the shortfall in meeting mortgage repayments.