Void periods are spells of time when a rental property is left unoccupied and is therefore not generating income. Naturally, void periods are something you want to avoid as a landlord, and while some instances are unpreventable, there are a few ways you can protect yourself against the impact of lengthy void periods.
Set a competitive rent
Your pricing is one of the most critical factors in attracting and maintaining tenants. Make sure to research the local market to get a better understanding of the going rates for properties similar to yours, as this will help you set a competitive rent. Offering a fair rental price that aligns with the local market can make your property more appealing and reduce the time it sits empty between tenancies.
Maintain the property
A well-maintained property not only attracts tenants but also encourages them to stay longer. A letting agent can take care of regular property inspections and on-call maintenance to ensure everything is in good working order. Addressing maintenance issues promptly can prevent them from becoming more significant problems that might deter prospective tenants or lead to longer void periods due to extensive repairs.
Know your demographic
When your property is vacant, you’ll need to act fast to find your next tenant. It’s important to know what kind of tenant is best suited to your rental property, as you’ll need to be able to highlight exactly what you’re looking for. This will help your letting agent narrow down the search and find new tenants more efficiently. Your agent can also filter out anyone who does not meet your criteria, reducing the amount of time wasted on failed applications.
HMOs
Choosing to invest in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) could make sense if you need to rely on your rental income to pay off the property’s mortgage. Void periods can be more manageable with HMOs, as letting out your property by the room means if one renter leaves, you still have others in place.
Effective marketing and advertising
When a tenancy ends, effective marketing is crucial to secure your next tenant. Our letting agents use multiple channels such as online property portals, social media, and local advertising to reach potential tenants. We also offer high-quality photos and detailed descriptions highlighting the property's key features to generate more interest and reduce the time it takes to find new tenants when a property becomes vacant.
Build positive relationships with tenants
Happy tenants are more likely to stay put, so make sure to foster positive relationships by maintaining an open line of communication and addressing maintenance issues promptly. This is no easy task, especially if you have your own home and job to attend to. A fully managed letting service can ensure that your tenants are well-looked-after, which can reduce void periods without interrupting your schedule.
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