Tactics to keep your rental property occupied
Key Takeaways
- Early marketing is crucial, with landlords encouraged to list properties as soon as notice is received, using professional photography and clear move-in dates to attract tenants quickly.
- Setting a realistic rent reduces void periods, as overpricing can prolong vacancy and ultimately lead to reductions; research of comparable properties helps determine the optimal figure.
- Properties in excellent move-in condition let faster, with clean, modern, and well-maintained homes attracting tenants and sometimes higher-quality applicants.
- Flexibility with timings, lease terms, and tenant preferences expands the potential tenant pool, making mid-week viewings or pet-friendly options valuable strategies.
- Using an experienced letting agent can streamline marketing, pricing, and tenant management, helping minimise void periods and fill properties efficiently.
Nicky Lloyd, Head of ESPC Lettings, discusses how you can significantly reduce the void period of your rental property.
If you’re a landlord, you know exactly what void periods are. It is those gaps in time between tenancies when your property is sitting empty which can be financially draining. Not only are you missing rental income, but you’re often still covering mortgage payments, council tax, and utility bills. You can avoid this by following the advice below.
Advertise early
Timing is everything. As soon as your current tenant hands in their notice, start preparing your listing. Too many landlords wait until a property is vacant before marketing it, which is valuable time lost.
Ensure you have professional photography of the property to add to an accurate listing with a clear move-in date. Publish your rental home on the major property portals like espc.com as early as possible. Many tenants are happy to view a property while it is still occupied, especially if the outgoing tenant keeps it tidy. The earlier you advertise your property; the sooner you’ll secure a new tenant.
Be realistic with rent
It’s tempting to push for a higher rent, especially in a competitive market - but overpricing is one of the fastest ways to extend your void period. Properties that sit on the market for weeks often end up being reduced anyway.
Research comparable properties in your area to judge the right price. For detailed insights on rental prices and yields in your area, check out our analysis of the Q4 2025 Citylets report. A well-priced property will attract more interest and will let more quickly. Accepting a slightly lower rent with a shorter void period can leave you better off financially, instead of holding out for a higher figure you might not achieve.
Ensure your property is in move-in condition
Tenants are increasingly discerning, and they expect rental homes to be clean, modern, and well maintained. A fresh coat of paint, updated fixtures, or even just a deep clean between tenancies will make a significant difference.
Simply put, well-presented properties let faster. Investing in the property’s condition between tenants can help to avoid long empty stretches and often attracts better-quality tenants too.
Be flexible with timings
The more flexible you can be, the bigger your potential tenant pool will be. It may be worth considering allowing pets, shorter-term lets, or including white goods and furniture if it helps your property stand out from a crowded market.
Likewise, offering mid-week viewings or accommodating to tenants’ schedules can help speed up the letting process. A rigid approach can cost you valuable time and money.
Always use an experienced letting agent
An experienced letting agent will know how to price, market, and manage your property efficiently, including minimising those void periods. At ESPC Lettings, we handle viewings, vet applicants, and often have a waiting list of prospective tenants looking to settle into properties - perhaps yours.