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.

As the leaves turn brown and the autumn air settles in, many people find themselves looking for a fresh start in a new home. Whether you're seeking a change of scenery, more space, or better amenities, autumn is an ideal time to search for a new rental property. Let’s look at five reasons why it’s the perfect season to find your next home.

Less competition

Autumn can be a less competitive time to find a rental property compared to the peak summer season. Many families prefer to move during the summer to align with the school calendar so, by autumn, there may be fewer renters searching for properties.

Because of this, landlords may be more willing to negotiate on tenancy agreement terms as they look to fill vacant properties. Additionally, there could be a wider selection of available properties than there would be during the summer rush.

Competitive rental prices

After the busy summer season ends, a decrease in rental demand can lead to an increase in the number of available properties. With an increased chance of vacancy periods, landlords are often more open to negotiations and may offer discounted rental rates. This means you can potentially find a great deal on your new rental property and save money in the process.

New beginnings

Autumn symbolises change and new beginnings, making it the perfect time to make a fresh start. Whether you’re starting a new job, moving to a new location, or simply seeking a change of scenery, autumn is the ideal time to embrace new opportunities and make positive changes in your life.

Updated amenities

Many landlords choose to renovate their rental properties in time for winter, making necessary updates and improvements to enhance comfort and safety. These updates may include servicing heating systems, improving insulation, making sure windows and doors are sealed, and ensuring all plumbing is prepared for a drop in temperatures.

Settled in time for Christmas

Finding a new rental property in autumn offers the perfect opportunity to settle into your new home just in time for the festive season. As well as giving yourself time to unpack and decorate your new home, moving in autumn gives you the chance to create a cosy and inviting space for Christmas family gatherings.

How an agent can help

A reputable letting agent can use their expertise to help you make your ideal move this autumn. Their in-depth knowledge of the local rental market allows them to understand seasonal changes and track levels of demand and supply to advise you on the best course of action.

An agent will help you schedule viewings of any properties that interest you before negotiating favourable tenancy agreement terms on your behalf. They will also be available to you throughout the duration of your tenancy for any assistance you may need.

Ensuring the full return of your deposit is one of your most important considerations as a tenant. With care, preparation, and a proactive approach, you can significantly increase your chances of reclaiming the full amount. Let’s take a look at everything you can do to maximise your chances of receiving your full deposit back at the end of your tenancy.

How are deposits protected?

Deposits are protected under the Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme, a legal requirement for landlords and letting agents. This scheme applies to assured shorthold tenancies and ensures that tenants' deposits are safeguarded throughout their tenancy. 

Within 30 days of receiving the deposit, landlords must place it in one of these schemes and provide the tenant with all the necessary information, including details about the scheme used, how the deposit is protected, and the procedure for reclaiming it at the end of the tenancy.

Take photos of the property

One of the first things you should do after moving into a new property is take photos of every room. It’s particularly crucial to photograph any damage to walls, furniture, flooring, and white goods that was already present before you moved in.

It’s a good idea to send these photos to your landlord or agent to confirm that all parties are satisfied for them to be used as a record of the property’s condition.

When moving out at the end of your tenancy, you should also take photos so that you can prove the state you left the property in if any disputes arise.

Check the tenancy agreement

If you’ve rented before, you’re probably tired of hearing about the importance of thoroughly reading your tenancy agreement. However, making sure you’re familiar with every section of the agreement is crucial to making sure you don’t accidentally do anything that breaks the tenancy's terms.

Just because you read the agreement in your previous tenancy doesn’t mean you don’t need to read the new one. Each agreement can differ between landlords, agents, and properties. An agreement should list all of your responsibilities and what you have to do before vacating the property in order to receive your full deposit back.

Ask for the inventory

Everything that was already in the property at the start of your tenancy should be listed in the inventory. On the first day of tenancy, the landlord or agent must prepare the inventory so everyone can agree on the property's condition.

If you disagree with the deposit amount you receive after the tenancy, the inventory is the best piece of evidence you can provide when disputing it.

Reduce the risk of damp

Reducing the risk of damp is crucial for maintaining the property's condition and ensuring the full return of your deposit. Damp can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to costly repairs for the landlord.

To prevent damp, ensure that the property is well-ventilated by regularly opening windows and using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Keeping humidity levels low and taking preventative measures can help maintain the property in good condition, making it more likely that you will receive your full deposit back.

Maintain your garden

Maintaining your garden is another important aspect of fulfilling your tenancy obligations and securing your full deposit. Overgrown lawns, untrimmed hedges, and damage to garden furnishings can negatively impact from the property's appearance and require professional services to fix.

By keeping the garden in the same condition as when you moved in, you demonstrate respect for the property and avoid any potential deductions from your deposit for garden-related issues.

Report problems when they arise

Reporting problems when they arise is essential for preventing minor issues from escalating into significant, costly repairs. If you notice any issues, such as leaks, broken appliances, or structural damage, inform your landlord immediately.

This proactive approach not only helps maintain the property's condition but also shows your responsibility as a tenant. By preventing minor issues from becoming major problems, you reduce the risk of deposit deductions for damages that occurred during your tenancy.

Tidy and clean before you leave

Most tenancy agreements stipulate that the property must be left in a clean and tidy condition, comparable to its state at the start of the tenancy. Conduct a thorough cleaning of all rooms, including kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, while paying particular attention to overlooked areas like behind appliances, inside cupboards, and under furniture.

Leaving the property in good condition allows you to fulfil your contractual obligations, significantly increasing the likelihood of receiving your full deposit back.

What if you disagree with the amount you get back?

If you disagree with the amount of deposit you get back after a tenancy, you can ask your landlord or letting agent for a detailed breakdown of the deductions made from your deposit. This should include specific reasons for each deduction and any relevant invoices or receipts for repairs or cleaning services.

September always seems to give us sunny-summer-like days, but the good news is that the UK property market is also faring well. During the summer, sales agreed were 15% higher than the same time last year.* We take a look at why the sun is continuing to shine on the UK property market this September, and what that means for your next move. 

Good market conditions 

Now that the labour government has settled in, the market has stabilised, and buyer and seller confidence is going from strength to strength. Many buyers who wanted to wait until after the election to place their homes on the market are now moving and accepting healthy offers and the positive effects of this can be seen down the chain. This means there are more homes for you to choose from and more buyers are in a strong position to buy your home. 

A more settled mortgage market 

Increasingly competitive mortgage rates becoming available and an acceptance of the ‘new normal’ means this month is a new beginning in more ways than one. Making a fresh start is now more compelling as home buyers accept that the ten-year period of ultra-low mortgage rates is not set to return. Current increasingly competitive mortgage interest rates today represent value for money by historical standards, and this helps stabilise the market, keeps house prices from spiralling out of control, and stops home-movers from delaying their move. 

Great weather for moving 

September is a good month to move. You still have plenty of light and good weather for viewing, preparing your home ‘For Sale’ and for moving day. With a bit of luck, you could be on the move in time to cosy up for winter. You may also benefit from eager home-movers who want to sell in the summer months and want to get on the move before winter arrives. With many people choosing spring as their time to move, you might find your solicitor and removals company a little less busy at this time of year. 

Christmas is on the horizon

Many home-movers will want to get into their new homes in time for Christmas and this can stir up interest in your home if you are thinking of selling. Making a fresh start in September with the beginning of a new term also opens the door to making a fresh start in time for the new year. And now that the holidays are over for many, it’s back to the business of moving. Christmas comes around quickly and with the property market performing well, so could your home’s sale. So, the prospect of being in the home you want in time for the festivities is an increasingly realistic goal.  

The power of home-happiness 

With such a compelling choice of amazing properties on the market and the happiness they bring with them, it’s little wonder so many people are getting on the move. Demand for good properties is high all year-round, and the profound and positive effects of finding the right property are almost immeasurable. More rooms, exquisite outdoor spaces, locations to love, and the features and magical feelings great homes give you should never be underestimated. Market conditions sometimes fluctuate over the years but memories last for ever and more and more people are embracing this sentiment.