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Every month a property sits empty can cost a landlord £1,000 or more in lost rent. These gaps, known as void periods, are the hidden profit killers of property ownership. They drain income, increase stress, and can even put financial pressure on landlords with mortgages or maintenance bills to cover.
The good news? Void periods are not inevitable. After 15 years working with landlords across Romford, Essex, and London, we’ve learned why they happen and the exact steps landlords can take to avoid them.
Why Void Periods Happen
1. Poor Marketing of the Property
If your property isn’t visible in the right places, or the photos don’t stand out, tenants will scroll past.
2. Overpricing the Rent
The price is too high, and tenants will simply choose a better value nearby. The longer it sits empty, the more money you lose.
3. Weak Tenant Vetting
Accepting the wrong tenant often leads to arrears, disputes, or early exits, all of which trigger fresh voids.
4. Lack of Maintenance or Updates
Tired décor, unresolved repairs, or dated fittings make tenants leave sooner.
5. Slow Turnaround Between Tenancies
Every week spent repainting, repairing, or re-listing without a plan is rent lost.
How Landlords Can Avoid Void Periods
1. Invest in Professional Marketing
- High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and listings across major platforms.
- Visibility = faster lets.
2. Price Smartly, Not Emotionally
- Benchmark against 3–5 similar local properties.
- A realistic price fills quicker and prevents long gaps.
3. Vet Tenants Thoroughly
- References, credit checks, and background screening.
- The right tenant reduces arrears and early exits.
4. Maintain and Modernise
- Small updates like paint, flooring, or fixtures make a big difference.
- Happy tenants stay longer.
5. Plan Ahead for Changeovers
- Advertise before tenants move out.
- Have maintenance teams ready to minimise downtime.
⚡Quick Wins You Can Do This Month
- Refresh your property photos with a professional shoot
- Compare your rent against the local market average
- Contact tenants early about renewing their tenancy
Real-Life Example
One landlord in Ilford faced 2–3 months of empty properties between tenancies, losing over £6,000 a year in rent.
We helped by:
- Adjusting their rent slightly
- Upgrading their property photos
- Setting up a smoother tenant handover plan
The result? Voids were reduced to just two weeks in an entire year, transforming their rental income and providing peace of mind.
👉 That’s the difference between losing thousands and keeping your income steady.
Final Thoughts
Void periods may feel like “part of the job,” but they don’t have to be. With the right marketing, vetting, and property management, you can keep your properties full and your income consistent.
At ABC Gone, we’ve spent 15 years helping landlords across London and Essex avoid voids, protect income, and build long-term stability.
👉 Ready to avoid costly voids?
- Download our free Void Periods Book — packed with expert strategies and real case studies.
- Or book a free consultation with our team to see how you can keep your property portfolio profitable year-round.
