The average void period for UK rental properties has remained steady at 20 days during September, according to Goodlord.

But the company says that average rents dropped modestly last month.

Greater London, the North East, West Midlands and South West all saw small reductions in void periods. 

The quickest average void time can now be found in the North East – at just 12 days. 

However, small increases in void periods were recorded in the East Midlands (increasing from 16 to 18 days), the North West (19 to 23 days) and the South East (13 to 16 days).

The longest average voids are in the West Midlands, which saw an average vacant period of 25 days during September. 

Meanwhile across the UK average cost of rent dropped by 1 per cent from £997 to £985, while average tenant incomes were consistent, despite pressures on jobs market

The East Midlands saw the biggest change with a 5 per cent dip in rents from £935 per property in August to just £890 in September. 

The North East saw prices decrease by 4 per cent and the South East was hit by a 3 per cent drop in average rents. 

However, it was a different picture in the North West and South West, where rents increased by 2 per cent and 3 per cent respectively. 

In the capital rents slipped by 1 per cent, but at an average £1,693 a mont, rents remained twice the level of the UK’s cheapest region, Wales where tenants typically pay £654 a month.

Goodlord chief operating officer Tom Mundy says: “Despite new restrictions on people’s movements in various regions across the UK, the rental market is holding steady. 

“In fact, the sector’s bounceback has been incredibly strong to date and demonstrates the resilience of the lettings market. 

“The steadiness of void periods in particular is an encouraging sign of a market that has found its equilibrium after a year of extremes. 

“As we head into winter, we’ll be keeping a keen eye on trends, but agents are heading into the coming months in robust shape.”