How to find a tenant quickly to prevent a void period

No one wants an empty house. One of the main worries that many landlords experience is the possibility that a month or more will pass between lets without any rental income. It is crucial to minimise void periods where possible by acting fast and making sure you get the next tenant for your property. It is inevitable that circumstances will change and people will move on but there are quick and easy steps to reduce void periods.

Advertise online

This is one of the most effective ways to finding a new tenant. Most people looking to let will firstly browse homes in their desired location on their phone or computer. Using your local Guild Member is an easy way to get your rental property noticed without having to do all the work yourself. 

Social media

Social media has become an increasingly popular platform for those looking for a property to rent. Your estate agent will share the property across their social media channels as a part of their marketing strategy, but it doesn’t hurt to also share the property yourself.

Word of mouth

An old-fashioned way to find a suitable tenant, word of mouth, can still be surprisingly effective. Talking to people living close to the empty property or your friends could lead to finding someone who might be interested in renting your property. If you live in a city, the chances are a friend or colleague may know someone who is looking to rent. 

Setting the right rent

It’s always good to do a little research into competitive rental rates as this is rent price and location are the two biggest factors when searching for a new home. Make sure the property is good value for money and all repairs are up-to-date as potential tenants will always do a thorough search before making their choice. You want to make sure that your property is at the top of their wish list.

Finding the right tenants

Trying to fill the void period may be quite time-consuming, but it is worth spending time trying to select tenants that will be delighted to call your property their new home. Make sure you have the correct references and requirements from the new tenant before having them sign the contract to rent your property. 

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Today marked a historic moment as King Charles III delivered his first speech, outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year. Among the key announcements were significant reforms impacting the rental and property sectors. Let’s delve into the three major takeaways that should be on every letting agent and landlord’s radar.

 Renters (Reform) Bill: A Balancing Act

The speech reiterated the government’s commitment to the Renters (Reform) Bill, signalling a renewed focus on the rights of tenants and the concerns of landlords. A notable highlight is the pledge to abolish Section 21, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” a commitment that has been in the spotlight since the Queen’s Speech in 2019.

However, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. The King’s Speech provided no further clarity on the criteria and deadlines for the significant court process reforms required before Section 21 can be abolished. Letting agents and landlords should stay vigilant for updates, as these changes will reshape the dynamics of the rental market.

Leasehold Bill: A Path to Fairness

King Charles III emphasised the government’s dedication to making homeownership more accessible by introducing a Leasehold Bill. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the process of buying the leasehold of a property and alleviate the burden of “punitive” service charges.

Estate agents need to monitor the legislative landscape, anticipating reforms such as simplified procedures for leaseholders to purchase the freehold or extend their leasehold. The introduction of a cap on ground rent at 0.1% of the freehold value could transform the leasehold market, while changes to ownership requirements may lead to a future where all houses are sold as freehold.

Net Zero and Energy Efficiency: A Green Commitment

The government’s unwavering commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2025 is a pledge with broad implications, including significant changes in the property sector. King Charles III expressed the government’s desire to “safeguard energy independence” and invest in renewable energy sources.

For landlords and homeowners, the initial requirement to upgrade properties to an EPC C rating by 2025 on new tenancies, and 2028 for all tenancies, faced a revision in September 2023. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the relaxation of these targets, relieving landlords and homeowners from the original deadlines. However, the commitment to energy efficiency and the transition to renewable sources remains a focal point in the government’s agenda.

As we navigate through this new era under King Charles III, the landscape of the property market is set to undergo significant transformations. Letting agents and landlords must stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure a smooth transition into a more tenant-friendly, fair, and sustainable future.

 

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