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Discover practical tips to avoid vacant rental properties and protect your income during void periods. Learn how to minimise risk, attract tenants quickly, and make the most of downtime.
Rental properties can be a fantastic investment and one of the most effective ways to earn passive income. But every landlord knows the downside: when a property sits empty, the costs can start to pile up.
While a brief void period—when a rental property is unoccupied—can be an opportunity to carry out repairs or refresh the space, a prolonged vacancy can seriously impact your rental income. The good news? With a few proactive steps, you can minimise the financial strain and even turn the downtime to your advantage.
Here are some practical tips on how to avoid vacant properties and protect your investment.
If your property is sitting empty longer than expected, these measures can help reduce risk and limit financial loss:
Landlord insurance is essential for protecting your property and your income. Look for a policy that includes loss of rent cover, especially during void periods. These policies became harder to find post-pandemic, but many providers still offer them.
Top tip: Most insurance policies only cover voids for up to 30 days, so always read the fine print before committing.
Empty homes can attract unwanted attention. To deter break-ins or squatters:
These upgrades not only improve security but may also appeal to future tenants.
If you're managing your rental from a distance—or just want to avoid the stress—a letting agent can be a valuable asset. They can:
With access to local rental market trends and vetted applicants, agents are more likely to fill the vacancy with a reliable tenant fast.
While a vacant rental property isn't ideal, it can be the perfect time to make improvements that help attract new tenants and command better rent.
A spotless home makes a great first impression. Whether you're preparing for photos or viewings, cleanliness plays a big role in tenants' decision-making.
Take this time to inspect:
Fixing issues now avoids problems down the line and builds trust with incoming tenants.
If your property had long-term tenants, the style may now look dated. Simple upgrades like repainting walls, replacing carpets, or modernising furnishings (if it's a furnished let) can make a big difference in appeal and rental value.
Here are a few long-term strategies that help reduce the chances of your property sitting vacant:
Happy tenants are more likely to stay long-term. Be responsive, fair, and open to feedback. Respect goes both ways, and a good relationship can keep your tenants renewing year after year.
A few small concessions can give you a competitive edge:
Overpricing is one of the most common reasons properties stay vacant. While it's tempting to maximise profit, setting a fair market rent is often the best way to avoid a long void period.
Pro tip: A slightly lower monthly rent with a reliable long-term tenant is often more profitable than frequent vacancies and turnover.
Void periods are sometimes unavoidable, but with careful planning and a proactive mindset, they don't have to spell disaster for your rental income. By improving your property, fostering positive tenant relationships, and staying competitive with pricing, you can avoid long-term vacancies and keep your investment working for you.
Whether you're a first-time landlord or an experienced property owner, these simple strategies can make a big difference in your rental success.
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