What is a void period and what does it cost?
A void period is the time a rental property stands empty between tenancies. During a void the landlord earns no rent but still pays the mortgage, council tax, utilities and insurance, so frequent or long voids cut the real yield and lower what investors will pay.
Read more in our guide: When a portfolio becomes a burden
Costs that continue during a void
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mortgage | Payments continue in full |
| Council tax | Owner pays; long-term empty homes can attract a premium |
| Utilities and standing charges | Owner pays from the day the tenant leaves |
| Insurance | Many policies restrict cover after 30 to 60 days unoccupied |
| Re-letting | Cleaning, repairs, inventory, referencing and agent fees |
How voids work
A void starts when one tenant leaves and ends when the next one moves in. Some voids are planned, for example to refurbish or to bring a flat up to the Decent Homes Standard. Others happen because the property is slow to let.
Investors usually express voids as a percentage of the year or as an allowance in their appraisal. A common working assumption is two to four weeks a year for a well located single let, with higher allowances for student and HMO stock that turns over every year.
Working out the true cost
A flat let at £900 a month that stands empty for six weeks loses about £1,250 of rent. Add six weeks of mortgage, council tax, energy standing charges and re-letting costs, and a single void can easily wipe out three months of profit.
Council tax is a frequent surprise. If a property stays empty and substantially unfurnished for a year, councils in England can charge an empty homes premium on top of the normal bill.
Voids after the Renters' Rights Act
Since 1 May 2026 all tenancies in England are assured periodic tenancies. Tenants can leave on two months' notice at any time, so landlords can no longer rely on a fixed term to keep a unit occupied. Good condition and fair rent matter more than ever to keep turnover low.
Voids and selling
When a portfolio is valued on yield, empty units are priced on the rent buyers expect to achieve, less a discount for the time and cost of letting them. A tenanted unit with a reliable tenant is often worth more to an investor than an empty one. Some sellers instead use a void to sell that unit with vacant possession to a homebuyer.
Official Sources and Further Reading
General information for landlords in England, checked against official sources in October 2026. It is not tax, legal or financial advice: speak to a qualified accountant or solicitor about your own circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
A void period is the time a rental property stands empty between tenancies. During a void the landlord earns no rent but still pays the mortgage, council tax, utilities and insurance, so frequent or long voids cut the real yield and lower what investors will pay.
Often only for a limited period. Many landlord policies reduce or suspend cover for theft, escape of water and malicious damage after 30 to 60 days unoccupied. Tell your insurer about any long void.
Costs of an existing letting business during a void between tenancies, such as utilities, council tax and repairs, are generally allowable expenses if you intend to let the property again.
They apply a void allowance to the rent roll and price empty units on achievable rent less letting costs, or on vacant possession value if that is higher.
Thinking About Selling Your Portfolio?
Ask for a no-obligation portfolio appraisal, or call us to talk through your options in confidence.