It’s easy to think of void periods as just an unfortunate part of being a landlord. A couple of empty weeks here and there can just feel like the rhythm of the market. Shrug it off, and move on.
But those gaps, even the small ones, can add up to far more than you think. And if you’re not actively working to reduce your voids, there’s a good chance they’re quietly nibbling away at your profits.
So let’s dig into the real impact of void periods and how you can keep them to a minimum without having to slash your rent or completely reinvent your property strategy.
What Do Void Periods Actually Cost?
When a property sits empty, the most obvious cost is the rent you’re not collecting. But that’s really just the start.
Imagine your monthly rent is £900. One month without a tenant? That’s £900 gone straight away. But now layer on the extras: council tax, utility bills, re-marketing, possibly referencing or admin fees if you’re onboarding a new tenant. Even if you self-manage, your time has a value too.
Suddenly that “just one month empty” looks more like £1,200–£1,500.
And if this happens a couple of times a year? The numbers get painful, fast.
Why Voids Matter More Than You Think
Let’s say your annual rental income is £10,800. A single one-month void shaves over 8% off that return.
Unlike a rent reduction (which at least brings in some income), void periods are pure dead weight. No cash flow, no capital gain, no tenant paying down your mortgage, just lost potential.
Plus, they tend to show up at the worst times: just before the mortgage payment’s due, or when you’ve just paid for boiler repairs!
What Causes Voids?
Void periods happen for all sorts of reasons. Some are down to timing or tenant preferences, but many are things you can influence:
- Rent - If the rent is out of line with the market expectation, you can end up pricing tenants out of the property. If there are cheaper or more attractive properties elsewhere prospective tenants will choose those instead.
- Marketing - When you’re advertising the property to let, does the listing do the property justice? Sometimes better photos and listing descriptions can encourage more people to view the property and help reduce the time it’s on the market.
- Avoidable issues - Ask your tenants why they’re leaving. Some issues are avoidable, like unclear communication, slow maintenance or problems with the property that can be resolved.
- Reduce re-listing: If there are large gaps between one tenant moving out and another being found, review your re-listing strategy. Often there are things you can do to reduce this, like listing the property and scheduling viewings before the previous tenant moves out.
Often with voids, it's not one big problem, it’s a few small ones adding up. But even in that case, there are plenty of strategies at your disposal to help reduce voids.
How to Reduce Void Periods (Without Slashing the Rent)
Understand Your Local Market
This might sound basic, but it's surprising how many landlords rely on gut feel or outdated comparisons. Take time to check what else is available nearby. Are similar properties going for less? Or being snapped up faster? Sometimes even a £25 rent adjustment can mean the difference between a two-week wait and a two-day let. If rental demand has fallen in the area, you could consider selling the property and reinvesting in a more suitable location. If you’re keeping an eye on the market you’ll be able to understand if your void periods are indicative of a trend in the area.
Make It Easy for Tenants to Stay
The easiest void to manage is the one that never happens. Long-term tenants who feel looked after are far more likely to renew. Quick responses to issues, fair rent increases, and a bit of human decency go a long way here. Think of your tenant relationships as part of your investment strategy, because they are.
Stay On Top of Turnaround Time
Once a tenant gives notice, the clock starts ticking. If you self-manage, try to book viewings before the current tenant moves out. If you use a letting agent, be clear about your expectations and make sure they’re acting quickly. That “just a few days” delay adds up if it becomes standard every time.
Track Your Void Patterns Over Time
Actually look back and measure how long your properties sit empty. It’s not just about the occasional bad month, it’s about spotting patterns. Are certain properties consistently taking longer to let? Are voids creeping up over time?
This kind of tracking gives you clarity, and often, the motivation to make a few simple changes that save serious money over the long run.
And yes, if you’d rather not deal with spreadsheets, PaTMa Property Manager can do that for you automatically. You’ll get a clear view of your void rates and portfolio performance, all in one place. You can try it for free here.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Voids Steal Your Return
No landlord can eliminate void periods entirely. But with the right habits, data, and approach, you can reduce how often they happen and how long they last.
Because the truth is, a property sitting empty is more than just a temporary gap, it’s money slipping away, month by month often unnoticed.
And once you start treating void management like a core part of your investment strategy, not just a side effect of being a landlord, you’ll be in a far stronger position to grow your returns.
