What are the steps to manage a void property effectively?

Pre-inspection includes scheduling inspections, securing the property, disconnecting utilities, and identifying repairs. Maintenance and compliance covers repairs, gas and electrical checks, alarm and fire door testing, and security. Final checks involve fixing any defects, reconnecting utilities, cleaning, and preparing for tenant handover.

What is included in a void property pre-inspection?

A void pre-inspection typically includes scheduling the inspection, identifying necessary repairs, securing the property, recording utility meter readings, and checking for hygiene or pest issues.

What compliance checks are needed during void maintenance?

Compliance checks include gas safety (CP12), electrical safety (EICR), fire door testing, smoke and CO alarm checks, Legionella prevention, and lock and access security.

What should be done before re-letting a void property?

Before re-letting, ensure repairs are complete, utilities are reconnected, safety checks are passed, the property is deep cleaned, and all documentation and keys are ready for handover.

What are some bonus tips for void property turnaround?

Coordinate early with housing and contractor teams, take photos at each stage, and use the void period to prepare upgrades or long-term improvements.

How to manage void properties in the UK

Ecosafe
Jun 2
5 min read

Helping housing providers reduce turnaround time, protect rental income, and provide safer homes.

When a home sits empty, it is an unnecessary loss of rent and a missed opportunity to give someone a fresh start, support a community, and make the most of valuable housing stock. Ecosafe Group works with social landlords, housing associations, and local councils to transform vacant properties into safe, compliant homes ready for residents to move confidently. If you need a quick turnaround or a complete refurbishment, our goal is the same: helping you get homes re-let faster without compromising quality.

What is a void property?

A void property is any home without a legal tenant. A property may become void for several reasons, including:

Abandonment or bereavement.
Transfers or property purchases.
Low demand or long-term disrepair.
A tenant giving notice and vacating.

Void periods are common. However, long ones can be expensive and damaging if not properly managed.

Why managing voids matters

Void properties directly affect:

Asset value and property condition.
Tenant sustainability and resident well-being.
Rental income and long-term financial stability.
Neighbourhood appearance and resident confidence.

Poorly managed voids, especially in visible areas, can also increase the risk of antisocial behaviour, theft, or vandalism. That is why having a clear void management strategy is essential to housing providers and their communities.

Understanding the void process

The void property process is the steps between one tenant moving out and the next moving in. A typical void management process includes:

Tenancy termination or notice received.
Pre-termination inspection (to assess early repairs).
Key collection and void inspection.
Repairs, maintenance, and compliance works.
Cleaning and clearance.
Safety testing (gas, electric, water hygiene, fire).
Re-let the standard check and hand it over to lettings or housing providers.
New tenant sign-up and move-in.

A delay in any step increases costs and extends the time a property sits unused.

What is a void inspection?

A void inspection takes place when a property becomes empty. It identifies:

Outstanding repairs.
Health and safety risks.
Damage from the previous tenancy.
Compliance issues (e.g. gas, electric, water).
Opportunities to improve energy efficiency or sustainability.

What is the void standard?

The void standard sets a property's minimum condition before being re-letted. It ensures new tenants enter a safe, clean, and functional home. The properties condition usually includes:

Clean, risk-free living areas.
Functional kitchens and bathrooms.
Lockable windows and secure doors.
Working heating, hot water, and electrics.
A clean, tidy exterior and secure boundary.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Some providers also offer decoration vouchers or basic redecoration depending on tenant needs.

What is void maintenance?

Void maintenance includes all the work needed to bring an empty home to a lettable standard. Which might involve:

Painting, flooring, or tiling.
Electrical upgrades or rewiring.
Pest control and waste removal.
Kitchen and bathroom replacement.
Compliance testing (gas safety, EICRs, fire doors).
General repairs (plumbing, joinery, patch plastering).

Working with experienced void contractors like Ecosafe ensures that these works are completed on time, within budget, and according to compliance standards.

The cost of voids

Void properties represent lost income whilst they are actively incurring costs. Recent research from London lettings agency Benham and Reeves shows:

London average loss: £1,611.
North West average loss (30-day void): £876.
Average cost per void: £1,085 across England.
The average void period has gone from 22 to 24 days.
In some regions, the cost has increased by as much as 65%.
The average monthly rent is now £1,375, so everyday matters.
Landlords are losing 19% more revenue due to voids than last year.

Even in social housing, these trends highlight the importance of tight turnaround times and substantial cost control. Source: The Negotiator – Benham and Reeves

The cost of voids in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole

Void properties not only represent lost income but also incur ongoing costs. Recent data indicates that the South West region, which includes BCP, has experienced a notable increase in both void periods and associated costs:

Average monthly rent: Increased to £1,351 in April 2025, up from £1,268 in April 2024 - a 6.6% rise.
Average void period: While specific local data for BCP is limited, regional trends suggest an average void period of approximately 18 days.
Estimated cost per void: Based on the average rent and void period, landlords in BCP could be incurring an estimated loss of £810 per void period.

These figures underscore the growing financial impact of void periods in the BCP area, calling attention to the importance of property management to reduce vacancy durations and associated costs.

Our local impact: BCP Council & Ecosafe Group

We’re proud to partner with BCP Council to deliver their Voids Refurbishment Contract across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

We are delighted to have into a long-term contract with our existing contractor, Ecosafe, and look forward to working in partnership to carry out improvements and continue to deliver a high-quality voids service.” – Dan Hacker, Repairs Manager, BCP Council

This partnership reflects our shared dedication to delivering high-quality property refurbishments and continuing to provide a community-focused service.” - Richard Bull, Head of Operations, Ecosafe Group

To read our full press release, please click here: https://www.ecosafegroup.co.uk/post/bcp-voids-refurbishment-contract

What is section 11 of the Housing Act 1985?

Section 11 places a legal duty on landlords to keep their properties in good repair. This duty covers:

Structure and exterior.
Sanitation fixtures and heating.
Water, gas, and electricity installations.

This duty applies whether the property is occupied, meaning void properties must still meet legal safety and repair standards before being re-letted.

Supporting long-term solutions

Every void property misses an opportunity to give someone a safe, stable home. That is why many landlords are using void periods to:

Improve energy efficiency.
Upgrade compliance standards.
Review stock condition and demand.
Gather feedback from outgoing tenants and applicants.
Identify long-term hard-to-let homes for remodelling or disposal.
Used well, the void window is an opportunity to add value rather than minimise loss.
Work with housing teams to ensure voids can be adapted for tenants with accessibility needs, helping councils meet equality obligations and provide inclusive homes.

Download our free void property turnaround checklist

Managing multiple voids? Stay organised and cut delays with our free downloadable checklist, perfect for housing officers, asset managers, and contractors.

Click here to download the checklist:

This easy-to-use guide includes the following:

Cost-saving tips.
Step-by-step void process.
Safety and compliance checks.
Space for tracking works per property.

Work with Ecosafe Group

If you are looking for a voids partner who understands your priorities, safety, turnaround, sustainability, and tenant wellbeing, we are ready to help. We provide: