The landlord’s guide to reducing void periods

One of the biggest concerns for any landlord is the dreaded void period – the time when your property is sitting empty between tenancies. During that period, rent isn’t coming in, but the outgoings don’t stop. Mortgage payments, council tax, insurance, and utility bills all continue, eating into your profit margin with every passing week.

At Jacobs Steel, we work with landlords across West Sussex and beyond to help reduce these gaps, attract reliable tenants quickly, and make the whole process as smooth as possible.

If you’re looking to cut down on void periods and maximise your rental income, here’s what we recommend.

Price it right from day one

One of the most common reasons a property remains empty is because it’s overpriced. Tenants are more informed than ever, with access to online listings and local rent comparisons at their fingertips. If your asking rent is even slightly out of sync with the local market, it could be enough to delay viewings and leave your property sitting idle.

At Jacobs Steel, we always carry out a local market appraisal before listing your property. We consider location, condition, demand, and recent lettings data to make sure your rent is competitive but fair – maximising your income without deterring potential tenants.

Presentation matters

First impressions count. A property that looks cared for is far more likely to attract interest, and quickly. Before marketing, take the time to ensure your property is clean, well-maintained, and inviting. This might mean repainting tired walls, deep-cleaning carpets, replacing old curtains, or fixing any obvious issues like dripping taps or broken tiles.

Photographs are critical too. Properties with professional, well-lit images get significantly more clicks and enquiries online. If you’re not sure where to start, our lettings team can arrange professional photos and advise on how to present your property in the best possible light.

Find out more about how to prepare your rental property for the market.

Plan ahead when tenants give notice

As soon as your current tenant gives notice, start preparing. Ideally, you want the new tenant lined up before the old one moves out. That means marketing the property early, ideally with high-quality photos from the last time it was empty, or with permission, while it’s still furnished.

Allowing viewings during the notice period, if your outgoing tenant agrees, is one of the most effective ways to reduce the time your property sits vacant. We’ll handle viewings with care and sensitivity to ensure the process runs smoothly for everyone.

Work with a proactive letting agent

An experienced letting agent can dramatically reduce void periods. At Jacobs Steel, we don’t just list your property, we actively match it with suitable tenants, market it across multiple platforms, and use our local knowledge and database to generate interest fast.

We also take care of referencing, compliance checks, tenancy agreements, and deposit protection, which means your new tenant can move in without delay once they’re selected.

Build good tenant relationships

Retaining a good tenant is just as valuable as finding a new one. If your tenant is happy, they’re more likely to stay longer and treat the property with respect. Prompt communication, quick resolution of maintenance issues, and fair handling of rent increases all help build trust.

Even if a tenant does decide to move on, a positive relationship often means they’ll give you more notice, giving you extra time to find their replacement and line up viewings.

Make your terms flexible

If your tenancy agreements are overly rigid, for example fixed start dates or long notice periods, you might be unintentionally creating extra voids. Being flexible with move-in dates, allowing pets (where suitable), or offering part-furnished options can all open your property up to a wider pool of tenants.

It’s also worth reviewing your tenancy lengths. In some cases, a 6-month agreement with the option to renew can help you stay more in control of your rental calendar and plan better for any gaps.

Void periods may be part of the rental cycle, but they don’t have to be frequent or financially damaging. With the right planning, pricing, and support, it’s entirely possible to keep your property occupied for most of the year.

If you’re a landlord in West Sussex and want help reducing your void periods, the lettings team at Jacobs Steel is here to help. From finding quality tenants quickly to managing every detail of the tenancy process, we’ll keep your investment working for you. Get in touch today.

Thinking of letting your property?

Whether you’re preparing your first rental or growing your portfolio, our friendly Lettings team is here to help. Get in touch with your local Jacobs Steel branch today for expert advice and a free lettings valuation.