How landlords can reduce void periods in the New Year

Void periods occur when a rental property is vacant, with no tenant occupying it for several reasons, such as lack of maintenance or incorrect pricing. Landlords lose a lot of money while their properties are empty in London, where the average monthly rent is the highest in the UK at over £2,200. It’s normal for a rental to be vacant for a few days between tenancies, but long periods of vacancy can significantly affect net rental yield and a landlord’s cash flow.

Whether you are a buy-to-let (BTL), portfolio, overseas or first-time landlord, it is essential that you have the right lettings strategy in 2026 to make the most of your assets and investments.

Pricing that is right from the start

Many landlords set a higher rent to maximise profits, but then lower the price after not getting enough responses. This could make potential tenants think less of the property. The best way to get people interested is to set fair and accurate prices from the start. As a leading lettings expert, with a London-wide network of branches, we have professionals who use analytics and postcode data to determine an accurate rental valuation for your property. We offer this service free of charge, so you have a proper valuation from the start.

Right marketing with help from experts

Listing a property and sharing information about it online are not enough to market it well. It requires targeting the right audience, showcasing the best features, providing accurate descriptions and responding quickly to tenant enquiries. Instructing a reputable lettings agency with a large network of reliable, properly vetted corporate tenants, such as Benham and Reeves, can help your property reach the best prospects and close faster.

Give your tenants a clean and safe place to live

The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force from May 2026, requiring landlords across the UK to comply with new rules. While ensuring all mandatory compliance and safety obligations are met, landlords who respond promptly to tenants and maintain good relations by hiring a professional management company often attract tenants who stay for longer terms. Our full management services take care of every need so that landlords don’t have to worry about a thing.

Make sure your property stands out

Over the years tenant expectations have evolved in London. Renters want a secure and clean place to live, but they also pay attention to things like EPC ratings, neighbourhood amenities, transport routes, and the property’s overall appearance. Some quick and cost-effective ways to enhance appeal and attract better-paying tenants who are prepared to rent for longer are to repaint it, replace broken or old fixtures, install new appliances, and improve the curb appeal.

Being open to what tenants want and going the extra mile

Tenants enjoy working with landlords who are willing to accommodate their requests, such as allowing pets or being flexible with how they want to furnish their homes. For tenants to renew tenancies, it’s important that they develop a good rapport with the landlord. Longer lease periods, better interiors, and more amenities through smart renovations can all increase value and retain tenants, immediately reducing voids. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help landlords do it right.

Use a professional management company

While it is essential for landlords to maintain a good relationship with tenants, catering to recurring tenant needs like rent and deposit collection or maintenance issues can get challenging for busy landlords. At such times, having a local partner with global reach to not only find the right tenant but also provide a one-stop lettings and management service is invaluable for reducing void periods and maximising rental yield.

With a legacy of over 65 years, Benham and Reeves has helped thousands of local and overseas landlords make the most of their London property investments. From valuations to marketing, handling tenancies and making sure your property is compliant with all the regulations, our hands-on approach is tailored to make your landlord experience smooth and hassle-free.

Looking to let your London property or learn more about being a landlord? Contact us