For landlords · 5 min read
Void periods: the cost nobody budgets for, and how to cut it
A void is unrecoverable income: an empty month on a £1,500 pcm property costs £1,500 plus council tax and standing utilities that fall back to you. The biggest causes are starting marketing too late, slow referencing, slow paperwork and unrealistic pricing. The highest-impact fixes are beginning re-marketing as soon as notice is served, having applicants referenced before they view, and being able to issue and sign the agreement the same week an offer is accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What is a void period?
Any time a rental property sits empty between tenancies. It is unrecoverable income, and during it council tax and standing utility charges typically revert to the landlord.
How much does a void period cost?
The full rent for the empty period plus council tax and standing charges. On a £1,500 pcm property one empty month is £1,500 of lost rent before those extra costs, and it cannot be earned back later.
When should I start advertising a property before a tenant leaves?
As soon as valid notice is served. Marketing an occupied property with agreed viewing arrangements is the single most effective way to turn a multi-week gap into a same-week changeover.
How can I speed up the time between offer and move-in?
Remove the two usual delays: referencing and paperwork. Applicants referenced before they enquire eliminate the five-to-ten-day check, and a digital agreement signed online compresses the contract stage from a week to a day.