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Avoid Void Periods

How to Avoid Void Periods: Tips to Keep Your Property Let Year-Round

Void periods — those frustrating gaps between tenancies — are every landlord’s worst nightmare. Every week your property sits empty, you’re losing income and covering bills out of pocket. In 2025’s competitive Scottish rental market, avoiding voids isn’t just about luck — it’s about being proactive, prepared, and smart.
As letting agents, we deal with this daily, and we’ve learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t). In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, proven ways to keep your property let year-round.

What Is a Void Period?

A void period is any time your rental property is unoccupied and not generating rent. It usually happens:

  • Between tenants
  • During refurbishment or repairs
  • When marketing hasn’t been effective

Even short voids can add up — especially if you have mortgage payments, council tax, utilities, or insurance costs still rolling in.

1. Start Marketing Early

One of the most common mistakes landlords make is waiting until a tenant moves out to start advertising. By then, you’ve already lost valuable time.
Top tip:
Start marketing 6–8 weeks before the tenancy is due to end. This gives you time to:
Arrange viewings while the current tenant is still in place (with notice)

  • Vet applications thoroughly
  • Line up a new tenant to move in immediately after the old one leaves

We handle this seamlessly as agents, so there’s no disruption to your income.

2. Use Professional Photos and Listings

Presentation is everything. In a sea of online listings, poorly lit photos and vague descriptions just don’t cut it.

Invest in:

  • High-quality, wide-angle photos
  • A clean, staged property (even if it’s just tidied and well-lit)
  • A detailed, honest listing with all key features, transport links, and local amenities

We provide this as part of our marketing package — and it makes a big difference in how fast your property lets.

3. Price It Right — Not High

It’s tempting to set your rent slightly above market value — especially if your costs have gone up. But overpricing leads to longer vacancies and ultimately costs you more.

Example:
Asking £850 instead of £800 may seem smart — but if it sits empty for a month, you’ve just lost £800. It’ll take over a year to make that back at £50 extra per month.
We help landlords stay competitive by reviewing live market data and adjusting pricing realistically.

4. Maintain the Property Well

Properties that are well maintained rent faster — and to better tenants. Tenants will pay for quality, but they’ll walk away if the place looks tired, unloved, or neglected.

  • Keep walls freshly painted in neutral tones
  • Replace worn carpets or flooring
  • Ensure appliances are modern and reliable
  • Stay on top of minor repairs before they turn into major problems

A small investment in presentation pays off with shorter voids and higher-quality tenants.

5. Be Flexible with Tenancy Start Dates

Sometimes, landlords miss out on good tenants simply by being too rigid. If someone great wants to move in 10 days earlier than planned — make it work. It’s far better than waiting another month for the “perfect” fit.
We often negotiate start dates and end-of-tenancy arrangements that keep both outgoing and incoming tenants happy — and your income uninterrupted.

6. Keep Good Tenants Happy

The easiest way to avoid a void is to keep your current tenant. If they pay rent on time, look after the property, and cause no issues — you want them to stay.
Simple ways to boost tenant retention:

  • Respond quickly to repairs
  • Keep communication friendly and professional
  • Avoid unnecessary rent hikes
  • Offer lease renewals in good time

Sometimes, just a bit of respect and responsiveness can keep a tenant for years.

7. Offer Longer Tenancy Terms

In Scotland, all new tenancies are Private Residential Tenancies (PRTs), which have no fixed term — but tenants often stay longer when they feel settled and secure.
Offering to freeze the rent for 12 months or discussing long-term intentions early can encourage tenants to commit for the longer haul.

8. Work with a Letting Agent

Letting agents do more than just collect rent — we actively work to minimise voids. Here’s how:

  • We market your property effectively across the right channels
  • We handle viewings, vetting, and paperwork efficiently
  • We keep tenants happy and informed
  • We line up new tenants before the old ones move out

The result? Less stress, more income, and smoother transitions.

9. Consider Rent Guarantee Insurance

If voids do occur, rent guarantee insurance can soften the blow.

It’s not a replacement for good management, but it offers peace of mind — especially in tougher economic climates.

Many landlords pair this with professional management for a fully hands-off approach.

10. Be Available and Responsive

Whether you’re handling things yourself or using an agent, delays cost money. Respond to tenant queries, arrange viewings promptly, and don’t let admin pile up.
Tenants have plenty of choice in 2025 — if you’re not ready, they’ll move on.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding void periods isn’t about taking risks or rushing in tenants. It’s about being prepared, professional, and proactive. With the right approach — and a good letting agent by your side — you can keep your property occupied and your income steady.
If you’re tired of empty weeks and chasing leads, we’d be happy to help keep your property let year-round.