What Does a Residential Property Manager Do During Void Periods?

Minimising the Cost of Empty Properties

Void periods — the time when a property stands empty between tenants — can quickly eat into a landlord’s annual rental income. Without rent coming in, every day vacant represents lost revenue. Professional property managers have strategies and systems in place to keep these periods as short as possible, ensuring landlords stay profitable.

Understanding residential property manager duties during voids can help you see the value of professional management, especially in competitive rental markets like Cambridge.

Preparing the Property for Re-Letting

A well-presented property lets faster. During void periods, a residential property manager will deep clean the property thoroughly, addressing every corner from carpets and appliances to windows. They will also complete any minor repairs, replacing broken fittings and fixing cosmetic issues that could deter potential tenants. Once the property is in top condition, it is staged for viewings so prospective tenants can easily picture themselves living there. These steps improve first impressions and can significantly reduce the time on the market.

Marketing Strategy During Void Periods

A professional manager uses a comprehensive approach to fill vacancies quickly. For properties suitable for short stays, they can optimise listings for Airbnb and other platforms to generate income during the re-letting process. Marketing is deployed across multiple channels, including major rental portals, social media, and local Cambridge networks, ensuring maximum exposure. High-quality photography and compelling descriptions are used to make the listing stand out from the competition.

Handling Utilities, Security, and Maintenance in Empty Homes

An empty property still needs care and attention. Managers carry out regular inspections to spot potential issues before they escalate. They ensure locks, alarms, and lighting systems are in good working order to maintain security and deter break-ins. Preventative measures, such as keeping heating at a low level in winter to avoid frozen pipes and addressing leaks or damp immediately, protect the property’s condition.

How Cambridge Stays Cuts Void Periods by 50%

One landlord struggling with extended void periods in Cambridge approached Cambridge Stays for help. Their average vacancy between tenancies was six weeks. By implementing proactive maintenance, launching marketing campaigns before the previous tenants moved out, and introducing flexible pricing for short-term lets, Cambridge Stays reduced this to just three weeks. As a result, occupancy increased from 88% to 94% in a single year, significantly improving annual revenue.

Financial Planning for Voids

Even with the most proactive management, occasional voids are inevitable. Successful landlords budget for these gaps, setting aside a portion of rental income to cover expenses during vacancies. Dynamic pricing strategies are also used to adjust rent according to market demand, encouraging faster occupancy and reducing the financial impact of empty periods.

Ready to Reduce Your Void Periods?

Cambridge Stays specialises in landlord empty property management that keeps vacancies short and rental income consistent. Through targeted marketing, attentive property care, and strategic pricing, we help landlords maximise returns all year round.

Book Your Free Void Reduction Plan today and discover how quickly we can fill your property.