Why More Landlords Are Turning to Guaranteed Rent: Four Key Findings from the RICS Report
- Apex Housing Solutions
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Why More Landlords Are Turning to Guaranteed Rent: Four Key Findings from the RICS Report
The lettings market is shifting. Costs are rising, margins are tightening, and landlords are under pressure to make smarter, safer choices.
A new report commissioned by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and produced by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) lays out just how much the sector has changed and why so many landlords are now exploring guaranteed rent as an alternative to traditional letting agents.
Here are four stand-out findings from the report that reinforce what we’ve been saying at Apex for years.
1. Void periods are increasing and costing landlords more than ever
According to the RICS-Cebr report, average void periods rose to 24 days in 2023, nearly double the 13-day average seen in 2019.
“On average, properties sit empty for over three weeks between tenancies, during which time no rental income is received.”— RICS-Cebr Report: The Lettings Industry: Market Trends, Pressures and Economic Contribution (2024)
That’s 24 days a year without income on a £2,000/month rental, that’s over £1,500 in lost revenue annually.
At Apex, voids don’t exist. Your rent is guaranteed every month, even if the property is empty or undergoing work. We’re your tenant, not your agent, and we take full responsibility for occupancy and payment.
2. Agent fees are eating into returns
The report estimates landlords pay £2,000+ per year in letting agent fees, including tenant-find charges, renewals, inspections, admin and general management costs.
None of that exists with Apex. No admin fees. No letting fees. No deductions. The rent we offer is the rent you receive. Simple.
3. Compliance is becoming more complex and costly
Landlords today are dealing with rising costs around licensing, safety standards and energy regulations.
The report points to growing pressure from:
Selective licensing schemes
EPC improvements
Tenant safety legislation (including Awaab’s Law)
Traditional agents often pass these challenges back to landlords. At Apex, we help landlords stay ahead of compliance. We’ll remind you of upcoming renewals, help coordinate works where needed, and won’t take on properties unless they meet council-ready standards.
This is especially important for landlords looking to rent their property to the council where the bar for compliance is higher and the risks for non-compliance are serious.
4. Tenant arrears are still a major concern
The report highlights a continued rise in arrears, especially in light of wider cost of living pressures.
“Arrears and enforcement have become more challenging, with longer possession timelines and less certainty around outcomes.” - RICS-Cebr Report, 2024
When you sign a guaranteed rent agreement with Apex, you’re rent is protected. If the occupant doesn’t pay we still do. We manage legal possession issues, we absorb the financial risk, and you continue to receive your income.
Is Guaranteed rent right for you?
This isn’t about convincing landlords to abandon agents altogether. It’s about recognising where the model is starting to break down and where better, more secure alternatives already exist.
If you’re looking to rent your property to the council or simply want long-term security without the usual letting headaches, Apex is a private equity–backed provider with a 15+ year track record of delivering exactly that.
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