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Property
Void Period
The time a rental property sits empty between tenancies, generating no income while fixed costs continue.
A void period is any time your rental property is unoccupied — between tenancies, during refurbishment, or while searching for a new tenant. During a void, you receive no rental income but your costs (mortgage, insurance, service charge, council tax) continue.
Typical Void Rates
- 4–8 weeks per year is a reasonable budget assumption for most BTL properties
- Properties in high-demand areas (city centres, near transport links) may experience shorter voids
- HMOs and houses in less desirable locations may have higher void rates
Financial Impact
Voids hit your returns in two ways:
- Lost income — every empty month costs you one month's rent
- Additional costs — you may be liable for council tax during void periods, plus utilities to prevent damp/frost damage
A one-month void on a £1,000/month property costs at least £1,000 in lost rent plus potentially £150+ in council tax — wiping out over 10% of your annual gross income.
Reducing Void Risk
- Price your rent competitively (slightly below market = faster lets)
- Maintain the property well to encourage renewals
- Begin marketing before the current tenant vacates
- Consider allowing pets (expands your tenant pool significantly)
- Use a local letting agent with a strong tenant pipeline